mineral
Fluorite
Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)
Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale. Color: Highly variable, commonly purple, green, yellow, blue, or clear. 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
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 4 on the Mohs scale. Color: Highly variable, commonly purple, green, yellow, blue, or clear. Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous. Crystal Structure: Isometric (cubic). Cleavage: Perfect octahedral cleavage in four directions. Specific Gravity: 3.18.
Formation & geological history
Forms mainly as a hydrothermal vein mineral, often associated with lead, zinc, silver, and barite ores. Also occurs in carbonate rocks and pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid, as a flux in steelmaking and smelting, in optics for specialized lenses, and as a popular ornamental and collectible mineral.
Geological facts
Fluorite is the mineral namesake for fluorescence, as many specimens glow strongly under ultraviolet (UV) light due to trace impurities.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its relatively low hardness (can be scratched by a knife or glass), perfect octahedral cleavage, and vibrant colors. Found worldwide, with major deposits in China, Mexico, South Africa, and the USA.
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