mineral

Fluorite (likely Green Fluorite variant)

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)

Hardness: 4 on Mohs scale; Color: typically green, purple, or blue (specimen shows teal/green); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Isometric (commonly cubic or octahedral); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in four directions; Specific Gravity: 3.18.

Hardness: 4 on Mohs scale
Color: typically green, purple, or blue (specimen shows teal/green)
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Primary formation occurs through hydrothermal activity, where mineral-rich hot water flows through rock fractures. It is commonly found in veins alongside metallic ores or as a sedimentary deposit in limestone. Geological ages vary widely by location.

Uses & applications

Used industrially as a flux for smelting steel and aluminum, in the manufacture of opalescent glass, and as a source of fluorine for hydrofluoric acid. In jewelry and collecting, it is popular for its vibrant colors and fluorescence under UV light.

Geological facts

Fluorite is the original mineral used to define the phenomenon of fluorescence. While it looks like an emerald or aquamarine, its soft nature (it can be scratched by a knife or glass) makes it far less durable for ring settings.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 4-way cleavage (forming triangular shapes when broken) and relative softness compared to quartz. Common locations include the UK (famous Blue John), China, Mexico, and the Illinois-Kentucky district in the USA. For collectors, look for sharpness of crystal faces and clarity.

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