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
Colorspurple, violet
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Illinois, Weardale, Naica)
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in metallurgy, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, jewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen is a translucent, purple fluorite crystal fragment, displaying characteristic perfect octahedral cleavage planes.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often alongside metallic ore minerals, and can also be found in sedimentary and igneous environments.
