Fluorite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF₂
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral (four directions)
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorsyellow, blue, colorless
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityValzergues Mine, Aveyron, Midi-Pyrénées, France
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in steelmaking, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, jewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features numerous intergrown cubic crystals of fluorite, displaying a vibrant yellow color with distinct blue zoning along the edges and internal growth patterns. The crystals are transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through and highlight their internal structure.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ores, and also occurs in granites, pegmatites, and some sedimentary rocks. It precipitates from hot aqueous solutions rich in calcium and fluorine.
