Fluorite
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/14730981@N08">James Petts</a> from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF₂
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral in four directions
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorspurple, colorless, orange-pink (matrix)
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityWorldwide, notable localities include Illinois (USA), Weardale (England), Mexico, China.
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in steelmaking, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, collector specimens, jewelry (limited due to softness)
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, quartz, calcite, barite, galena
Description
A specimen featuring vibrant purple, translucent fluorite crystals intergrown with a lighter orange-pink feldspar matrix and some darker host rock. The fluorite crystals exhibit distinct facets and a vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ores, and also occurs in pegmatites and some sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Its formation is typically at lower temperatures.
