mineral

Fluorite (often referred to as Rainbow Fluorite)

Fluorite (Calcium Fluoride, CaF2)

Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale. Color: Highly variable, commonly purple, green, and blue banding. Luster: Vitreous (glass-like). Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic/octahedral). Cleavage: Perfect octahedral. Specific Gravity: 3.1

Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale
Color: Highly variable, commonly purple, green, and blue banding
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal activity, often in veins with metallic ores such as lead and silver. It crystallizes from circulating hot fluids in rock fractures and cavities across various geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used as a flux in steel and aluminum smelting (industrial grade), in high-performance optical lenses (clear specimens), and widely in jewelry, carvings, and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Fluorite gives its name to the phenomenon of 'fluorescence' because many specimens glow under ultraviolet light. It is often called 'the most colorful mineral in the world'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct color banding, softness (easily scratched by a pocket knife), and perfect four-directional cleavage. Common locations include China, Mexico, and the USA (Illinois/Kentucky).

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