mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale, Color: Varies widely including purple, blue, green, yellow, and colorless, Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous, Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.18
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale, Color: Varies widely including purple, blue, green, yellow, and colorless, Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous, Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic), Cleavage: Perfect octahedral, Specific Gravity: 3.18
Formation & geological history
Forms mainly as a hydrothermal vein mineral, often associated with lead, zinc, silver, and copper ores; also occurs in cavities in limestone and dolomite.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid, as a flux in steelmaking, in optics for lenses, and as a popular ornamental and tumbled gemstone for collectors.
Geological facts
Fluorite is the defining mineral for a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale and is famous for exhibiting strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light, a phenomenon named after the mineral itself.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its relatively low hardness (can be scratched easily with a knife), perfect octahedral cleavage, and often zoned multi-coloration. Found worldwide with notable deposits in China, Mexico, South Africa, and the UK.
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