Fluorite
Image: Zopilote0 (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF2
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral in four directions
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorsgreen, colorless, purple, blue, yellow, pink, brown
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityWorldwide, notably China, Mexico, USA (Illinois), England
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in steelmaking, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, jewelry, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features a vibrant green druzy surface composed of numerous small, interlocking fluorite crystals, with two larger, translucent, colorless to light yellow crystals resting on the matrix.
Geological Context
Fluorite typically forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ore deposits, and can also be found in granites, pegmatites, and some sedimentary environments.
