mineral

Green fluorite crystal

Fluorite (calcium fluoride, CaF₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically pale green and translucent with vitreous luster, cubic crystal structure, and perfect octahedral cleavage; Mohs hardness 4 and specific gravity about 3.18. The pictured specimen appears as a rough, translucent green crystalline mass, though its exact identity cannot be confirmed from the image alone.

Identified August 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms mainly in hydrothermal veins and cavities, commonly with quartz, calcite, galena, and barite; deposits range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic in age. Important localities include China, Mexico, England, Spain, Illinois, and Colorado.

Uses & applications

Used industrially as a source of fluorine and flux in steelmaking and glass manufacture; transparent colorful crystals are popular mineral specimens, while exceptionally clear material may be faceted as a gemstone.

Geological facts

Fluorite commonly fluoresces blue, violet, green, or other colors under ultraviolet light, and its name derives from its use as a flux. Green coloration may result from trace rare-earth elements or radiation effects.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its cubic/octahedral cleavage, moderate softness, and distinctive density; it can be scratched by a steel knife but not easily by a fingernail. Similar green calcite is softer and fizzes in dilute acid.