mineral
Fluorite in Matrix
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) with Quartz/Calcite matrix
Hardness: 4 (Mohs), Color: Deep purple and white/clear, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Isometric (often cubic or octahedral), Specific Gravity: 3.175-3.184
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4 (Mohs), Color: Deep purple and white/clear, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Isometric (often cubic or octahedral), Specific Gravity: 3.175-3.184
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal activity where hot, mineral-rich fluids circulate through fractures in rocks, typically igneous or sedimentary. Often associated with lead and zinc ores in limestone host rocks.
Uses & applications
Used as a flux in steel making, in the production of hydrofluoric acid, in high-precision optical lenses, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Fluorite is famous for its wide range of colors and is the origin of the term 'fluorescence' because many specimens glow under UV light. It is also the state mineral of Illinois.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its perfect octahedral cleavage, relatively low hardness (can be scratched by a steel knife but not a copper penny easily), and characteristic purple hues. Commonly found in China, Mexico, and the USA.
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