mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system, and perfect octahedral cleavage. Colors vary widely including green, purple, blue, and yellow.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, isometric crystal system, and perfect octahedral cleavage. Colors vary widely including green, purple, blue, and yellow.
Formation & geological history
Forms mainly as hydrothermal vein deposits and in sedimentary carbonate rocks through precipitation from fluorine-bearing solutions.
Uses & applications
Used in metallurgy as a flux, in the manufacture of optical lenses, and widely collected as mineral specimens or carved into ornamental objects.
Geological facts
Fluorite is the defining mineral for a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale and often exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its relatively low hardness, perfect cleavage, and frequent zoning of multiple colors; commonly found in China, Mexico, and South Africa.
