mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 4, exhibits perfect octahedral cleavage, and ranges in color from purple and green to yellow and clear with a vitreous luster.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 4, exhibits perfect octahedral cleavage, and ranges in color from purple and green to yellow and clear with a vitreous luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed mainly in hydrothermal veins and as a replacement deposit in carbonate rocks through mineral-rich fluid precipitation over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in metallurgy as a flux, in the manufacturing of optical equipment like lenses, and highly prized by mineral collectors.
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
Identified by its characteristic cubic crystal habit, perfect cleavage, and relatively soft hardness compared to quartz. Commonly found worldwide, notably in China, Mexico, and the United States.
