mineral

Fluorite Octahedron

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)

Hardness: 4 on Mohs scale; Color: Light green/teal (range includes purple, yellow, blue); Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Isometric (cubic, but often cleaved into octahedrons); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral in four directions.

Hardness: 4 on Mohs scale
Color: Light green/teal (range includes purple, yellow, blue)
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified June 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal activity in veins where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through host rocks. It is commonly associated with lead and zinc ores in limestone deposits globally throughout various geological eras.

Uses & applications

Used as a flux in steel making, in the manufacture of opalescent glass, and as a source of fluorine for hydrofluoric acid. High-quality specimens are popular for jewelry, lapidary carvings, and mineral collections.

Geological facts

Fluorite gave its name to the phenomenon of fluorescence because many specimens glow under UV light. The octahedral shape of this specimen is typically achieved through 'cleaving'—hitting the natural cubic crystal along its perfect cleavage planes.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct 4-directional cleavage and its softness (it can be scratched by a steel knife but not a copper penny). Common locations include Illinois (USA), China, Mexico, and South Africa.