Fluorite
Image: Jorge Royan (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF₂
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral
Fracturesubconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorscolorless, white, purple, blue, green, yellow, pink, black
Transparencytransparent/translucent
Type LocalityWorldwide, with many famous localities
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in steelmaking, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, jewelry (collector's stone)
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
The image showcases a museum display featuring numerous mineral specimens, including distinct cubic crystals of Fluorite in clear, white, and light blue-purple colors.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often alongside metallic ores, and is also found in pegmatites and some sedimentary environments.
