mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
Hardness: 4 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple and teal/green zones; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.18
- Hardness
- 4 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Purple and teal/green zones
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4 on Mohs scale; Color: Purple and teal/green zones; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal system: Isometric (cubic); Cleavage: Perfect octahedral; Specific gravity: 3.18
Formation & geological history
Commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often as a gangue mineral associated with metallic ores. It can also occur in granites, pegmatites, and dolostones.
Uses & applications
Used as a flux for steelmaking and aluminum production, in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid, in high-performance optical lenses, and as a popular semi-precious gemstone/ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Fluorite was the first mineral ever to be categorized as 'fluorescent' because many specimens glow under UV light. It is often called 'nature's most colorful mineral'.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct four directions of perfect cleavage and lower hardness (scratched by a steel knife but not a copper penny). This rough specimen shows the characteristic purple and translucent teal zoning common in 'Rainbow Fluorite'.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous