mineral
Fluorite
Calcium fluoride (CaF2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 4, isometric crystal structure, perfect cleavage in four directions. Exhibits vitreous luster and occurs in a wide variety of colors, commonly green, purple, yellow, or blue.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 4, isometric crystal structure, perfect cleavage in four directions. Exhibits vitreous luster and occurs in a wide variety of colors, commonly green, purple, yellow, or blue.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ores like lead and zinc, and as a gangue mineral in pegmatites and carbonate rocks.
Uses & applications
Used industrially as a flux in steelmaking, in the production of hydrofluoric acid, and in specialized optics. Also popular among collectors and sometimes carved into ornamental objects.
Geological facts
Fluorite is the mineral for which the phenomenon of fluorescence was named, as many specimens glow under ultraviolet light.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its octahedral cleavage, relatively low hardness, and cubic crystal habit. Found worldwide, with notable deposits in China, Mexico, South Africa, and the USA.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary