Fluorite
Image: Zopilote0 (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF₂
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral (four directions)
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorsgreen, purple, blue, yellow, pink, colorless
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityIllinois, USA; Derbyshire, England; Naica, Mexico; Hunan, China
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesmetallurgical flux, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, jewelry, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features a cluster of intergrown cubic and octahedral fluorite crystals, exhibiting characteristic green and purple color zoning, with some areas appearing translucent.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ores, and can also be found in pegmatites, granites, and some sedimentary rocks.
