mineral

Purple fluorite specimen

Fluorite (calcium fluoride, CaF₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically purple to violet with translucent cubic crystals, vitreous luster, and perfect octahedral cleavage; Mohs hardness 4 and specific gravity about 3.18. The pale gray-white matrix may include quartz or calcite; exact identification is uncertain from the image alone.

Identified August 9, 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 from Paleozoic to younger geological systems. Major sources include China, Mexico, England, Spain, Morocco, and the United States.

Uses & applications

Collected for attractive cubic crystals and occasionally cut as a gemstone; industrial fluorite is the principal source of fluorine and is used in hydrofluoric acid, aluminum production, steelmaking, and specialty glass.

Geological facts

Purple color commonly results from radiation-related color centers or trace impurities. Fluorite’s perfect cleavage and relatively low hardness make it easy to chip or scratch.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy purple cubic zoning, flat cleavage faces, and a hardness below steel or quartz; a scratch test and UV fluorescence can help, though colorless calcite and quartz may accompany it. Common specimens range from $10-$50; larger, vivid, well-formed crystals may sell for $100-$500+.