mineral

Fluorite

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)

Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pale green, can also be purple, blue, yellow, or colorless. Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous. Crystal Structure: Isometric/cubic. Cleavage: Perfect octahedral cleavage in four directions. Specific Gravity: 3.18.

Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale
Color: Pale green, can also be purple, blue, yellow, or colorless
Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous

Identified August 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, frequently associated with metallic ores like lead and zinc, as well as in cavities in limestone and dolostone rocks.

Uses & applications

Used widely in metallurgy as a flux, in the manufacturing of optical equipment, lenses, and hydrofluoric acid, as well as in ornamental carvings and mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Fluorite is the defining mineral for a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. It exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a phenomenon named after the mineral itself.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its distinctive cubic or octahedral crystal habits, softness (can be scratched easily with a knife), and perfect cleavage. Common localities include China, Mexico, South Africa, and the UK.