mineral

Fluorite

Calcium Fluoride (CaF2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified August 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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.