mineral

Green fluorite crystal

Fluorite (calcium fluoride, CaF₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically translucent green with vitreous luster and cubic crystal structure; perfect octahedral cleavage, Mohs hardness 4, and specific gravity about 3.18. The specimen appears rough and naturally crystalline, though image-based identification is approximate.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms mainly in hydrothermal veins and carbonate-hosted deposits when fluorine-rich fluids precipitate calcium fluoride, commonly during relatively low-temperature mineralization. Important deposits occur in China, Mexico, England, Spain, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Used industrially as a flux in steelmaking and aluminum production and as a source of hydrofluoric acid; attractive transparent crystals are collected and occasionally cut as gemstones. Its softness limits everyday jewelry durability.

Geological facts

Green fluorite’s color may result from rare-earth elements or radiation-related defects. Fluorite commonly fluoresces blue, violet, green, or cream under ultraviolet light, depending on impurities.

Field identification & locations

Identify by green transparency, glassy luster, cubic habit or octahedral cleavage, and softness: it can be scratched by a steel knife, unlike quartz. Confirm with hardness, cleavage, specific gravity, and ideally mineralogical testing.