mineral

Fluorite

Fluorite (calcium fluoride, CaF₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The specimen appears pale green to blue and translucent, with a glassy luster and blocky cleavage surfaces. Fluorite has Mohs hardness 4 and a cubic crystal structure; color and clarity vary widely.

Identified September 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

The specimen appears pale green to blue and translucent, with a glassy luster and blocky cleavage surfaces. Fluorite has Mohs hardness 4 and a cubic crystal structure; color and clarity vary widely.

Formation & geological history

Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins and cavities in limestone or other rocks, often alongside quartz, calcite, and sulfide minerals. Its age depends on the deposit and cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as an industrial source of fluorine and in steelmaking; clear, colorful crystals are collected and sometimes cut for jewelry, though softness limits wearability.

Geological facts

Fluorite commonly displays cubic crystals and can fluoresce under ultraviolet light, a phenomenon named after the mineral.

Field identification & locations

The apparent pastel color, translucency, and angular cleavage are consistent with fluorite; confirm with hardness and cleavage tests, since the image alone is not definitive. It occurs worldwide, including China, Mexico, and the United States.