mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, varies widely in color from purple, green, yellow, and blue to colorless, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system typically forming cubic crystals, perfect octahedral cleavage, specific gravity of 3.18
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Physical properties
Hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, varies widely in color from purple, green, yellow, and blue to colorless, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system typically forming cubic crystals, perfect octahedral cleavage, specific gravity of 3.18
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ores like lead and zinc, as well as in cavities in sedimentary rocks such as limestone and dolomite
Uses & applications
Used in metallurgy as a flux, in the manufacture of opalescent glass and enamel, the production of hydrofluoric acid, and widely collected as mineral specimens or carved into ornamental objects
Geological facts
Fluorite is the mineral namesake for the phenomenon of 'fluorescence', as many specimens glow strongly under ultraviolet light due to impurities like yttrium
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic cubic crystal habit and lower hardness (can be scratched easily with a knife, unlike quartz), commonly found in countries like China, Mexico, South Africa, and the UK
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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