Fluorite
Image: “Jon Zander (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Digon3" title="User:Digon3">Digon3</a>)" (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF₂
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral (four directions)
Fractureuneven to subconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorsyellow, purple, green, blue, colorless, pink, brown
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Illinois, USA; Weardale, England; Naica, Mexico)
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in steelmaking, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, jewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
This image shows a roughly 1 ½ inch (4 cm) tall specimen of fluorite, exhibiting a pale yellow color and a translucent quality with a somewhat blocky, crystalline texture.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ore deposits. It can also be found in granites, pegmatites, and some sedimentary rocks.
