
Fluorite
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/43202553@N00">Zopilote0</a> (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF₂
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral {111}
Fractureuneven to subconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorsdark purple, purple, lavender
Transparencytranslucent to opaque
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., China, Mexico, England, USA)
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesmetallurgical flux, hydrofluoric acid production, optical lenses, jewelry (less common), collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
A cluster of dark purple to lighter lavender fluorite crystals, exhibiting distinct cubic forms, with some white matrix material.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with metallic ore deposits, and can also be found in sedimentary rocks and pegmatites.
