mineral

Banded fluorite

Fluorite (calcium fluoride, CaF₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 4 Mohs; translucent pale green to purple zoning, vitreous luster, cubic crystal structure, and perfect octahedral cleavage. The specimen appears rough or partly cleaved, with characteristic color banding.

Identified August 31, 2026More mineral →

Explore Banded fluorite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms mainly in hydrothermal veins, cavities, and replacement deposits, commonly with quartz, calcite, and sulfide minerals. Fluorite deposits range from Paleozoic to modern geological ages; the exact age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as a flux in steel and aluminum production, in hydrofluoric-acid manufacture, and as an ornamental or collector mineral. Attractive transparent pieces are cut as gemstones, though fluorite is relatively soft.

Geological facts

Green-purple zoning is common and results from trace elements, radiation effects, or changing growth conditions. Fluorite commonly forms cubes, octahedra, and complex intergrowths.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its vivid zoning, glassy appearance, cubic cleavage, and softness; a steel knife can scratch it, while it may scratch a fingernail only weakly. Common sources include China, Mexico, England, Spain, the United States, and South Africa.