Blue John

Blue John was a mineral that gained popularity in the decorative arts during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a type of banded fluorite found only in the Blue John Cavern in Derbyshire, England. Its unique banding patterns and hues of purple, yellow, and white made it a highly sought-after material for creating decorative objects.

Blue John was often incorporated into decorative objects such as vases, urns, candlesticks, and inkwells. Its translucent nature allowed light to pass through, creating a stunning effect when used in lamps or chandeliers. The mineral was highly valued for its rarity and beauty and was often used in the homes of wealthy individuals. See Matthew Boutlon

Today, Blue John remains a highly prized material in the decorative arts.

– Blue John is a rare variety of fluorite mineral found only in the Castleton area of Derbyshire, England.
– It was highly prized in the decorative arts during the 18th and 19th centuries due to its unique banded patterns and translucent quality.
– Blue John was commonly used to create ornamental objects such as vases, urns, and candlesticks.
– Many notable artists and designers of the time, including Josiah Wedgwood and Matthew Boulton, incorporated Blue John into their works.
– Today, Blue John remains a highly sought-after material for decorative arts and is still mined in small quantities in Derbyshire.