mineral

Polished fluorite sphere

Fluorite (calcium fluoride, CaF₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically translucent blue-green to purple zoning, vitreous luster, and cubic crystal structure; hardness Mohs 4, perfect octahedral cleavage, and specific gravity about 3.18. The rounded form is cut and highly polished.

Identified August 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Fluorite forms mainly in hydrothermal veins and cavities associated with limestone, granite, and other igneous rocks; deposits range from Paleozoic to younger ages. Color zoning reflects trace elements and changing fluid chemistry during growth.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative sphere, lapidary material, and collector specimen; industrial fluorite is a major source of fluorine for hydrofluoric acid, aluminum processing, and specialty chemicals.

Geological facts

Fluorite commonly fluoresces blue, violet, green, or cream under ultraviolet light. Its relatively low hardness means polished surfaces scratch more readily than quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by vivid zoning, cubic cleavage, moderate density, and softness; a steel blade may scratch it, while quartz will not. Major sources include China, Mexico, England, Spain, Illinois, and New Mexico.