mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, variable colors including purple, green, and yellow, vitreous luster, and cubic crystal system with perfect octahedral cleavage.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Fluorite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, variable colors including purple, green, and yellow, vitreous luster, and cubic crystal system with perfect octahedral cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and carbonate replacement deposits through the precipitation of fluorine-rich solutions.
Uses & applications
Used in metallurgy as a flux, in the manufacturing of optical lenses, and widely collected as mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Fluorite is the defining mineral for a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale and exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic cubic crystal habit and lower hardness compared to quartz; found globally in notable deposits across China, Mexico, and the USA.
