Geology/History
Creedite is a calcium aluminium sulphate fluoride hydroxide mineral, typically forming radiating clusters of prismatic crystals. It is most often colourless, white, lavender or orange, with specimens displaying high transparency and a vitreous lustre. Creedite usually occurs in oxidised zones of fluorite-rich hydrothermal ore deposits, where it forms through the alteration of fluorite and other associated minerals. It is commonly found alongside minerals such as fluorite, quartz, limonite and smithsonite.
The mineral was first discovered in 1916 near Creed, Colorado, from which its name is derived. Since then, notable deposits have been located in Mexico, particularly in Durango and Chihuahua, which produce some of the finest orange and purple specimens known. Other sources include Kazakhstan, Bolivia and Nevada in the United States. Due to its vibrant crystal sprays and relative rarity, Creedite is highly valued by collectors. Its fragile crystal habit and low hardness limit its use in jewellery but enhance its appeal as a display mineral.
Metaphysical Properties
Creedite is considered a high-vibrational stone associated with spiritual expansion and energetic clarity. It is said to activate the upper chakras, particularly the throat, third eye and crown, facilitating communication, intuition and connection to higher guidance. Creedite is often used during meditation, where it is believed to assist in accessing higher planes of awareness, past-life recall and spiritual downloads.
The mineral is thought to promote clear thought and conscious expression, making it a useful ally for those engaged in teaching, speaking or healing work. It is also said to encourage the release of energetic blockages by lifting stagnant or repressed energy, allowing for freer emotional flow and heightened awareness.
In spiritual traditions, Creedite is believed to open multidimensional gateways, acting as a bridge between physical and etheric realms. It is thought to support the integration of spiritual insight into daily life, grounding higher consciousness into present-moment awareness. For these reasons, it is often regarded as a stone of divine alignment, clarity and evolution.
Crystal Healing
Supports the nervous and respiratory systems, helps relieve tension and fatigue, and is said to stimulate cellular healing. Encourages energetic flow through the meridians and chakras, promoting lightness, focus and receptivity. Aids in the release of emotional congestion and enhances meditative states.
Mineralogy
Group: Sulphate
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Chemical Composition: Ca₃Al₂(SO₄)(F,OH)₁₀·2H₂O
Form/Habit: Radiating sprays of acicular to prismatic crystals
Hardness: 3.5 to 4 (Mohs scale)
Cleavage: Perfect in one direction
Fracture: Uneven
Lustre: Vitreous to pearly
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.7 – 3.0
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Refractive Indices (R.I.): nα = 1.461 – 1.472, nβ = 1.478 – 1.485, nγ = 1.485 – 1.495
Birefringence: 0.024 – 0.034
Colour: Colourless, white, lavender, orange, violet, or pale grey
Pleochroism: Weak, not easily observed
Fluorescence: May fluoresce under UV light, typically cream to orange
Strunz Classification: 7.DE.15 (Sulphates with additional anions, with H₂O)
Dana Classification: 31.2.3.1 (Hydrated sulphates with hydroxyl or halogen)