mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, variable colors including purple and green, vitreous luster, and cubic crystal system with perfect octahedral cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, variable colors including purple and green, vitreous luster, and cubic crystal system with perfect octahedral cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed mainly in hydrothermal veins and as a replacement deposit in limestone, often associated with lead and zinc ores.
Uses & applications
Widely used in metallurgy as a flux, in the manufacturing of optical equipment, and as a popular collector gemstone.
Geological facts
Fluorite exhibits strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which is actually where the term fluorescence originates.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its relatively low hardness of 4 and octahedral cleavage; commonly found worldwide, notably in China, Mexico, and the UK.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous