mineral

Fluorite

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)

Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale; Color: typically purple, green, yellow, or blue; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: isometric/cubic; Cleavage: octahedral in four directions; Specific gravity: 3.18.

Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale
Color: typically purple, green, yellow, or blue
Luster: vitreous

Identified March 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale; Color: typically purple, green, yellow, or blue; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: isometric/cubic; Cleavage: octahedral in four directions; Specific gravity: 3.18.

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal activity, often as a gangue mineral in metallic veins. It precipitates from hot, mineral-rich fluids passing through host rocks như limestone or dolostone.

Uses & applications

Used as a flux in steel making, in the production of hydrofluoric acid, and for high-performance camera lenses. Colored specimens are popular for jewelry, carvings, and mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Fluorite is known as 'the most colorful mineral in the world.' It is the primary source of the element fluorine and exhibits strong fluorescence under UV light, which is where the term 'fluorescence' originates.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct cubic crystal habit, perfect octahedral cleavage, and softness (it can be scratched by a steel knife but not a copper penny). Common locations include China, Mexico, and the Illinois-Kentucky fluorspar district.