Fluorite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bultro" title="User:Bultro">Bultro</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF₂
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral (four directions)
Fracturesubconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorspurple, blue, green, yellow, colorless
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Illinois, USA; Weardale, England; Naica, Mexico)
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in steelmaking, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a prominent large, well-formed purple cubic crystal of fluorite, characteristic of its crystal habit and often found in various colorations.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ore deposits, and can also be found in sedimentary rocks and pegmatites.
