Fluorite
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Mineral NameFluorite
Chemical FormulaCaF2
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemcubic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect octahedral on {111}
Fracturesubconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.18
Colorscolorless, white, pale purple, pale yellow
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityFound worldwide in various geological settings, notably in hydrothermal veins in many mining districts.
Mineral GroupHalides
Usesflux in metallurgy, source of fluorine, optical components, jewelry, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen displays numerous well-formed, mostly colorless to white cubic fluorite crystals, some with subtle pale purple or yellowish tints, lining a vug within a dark, possibly iron-rich, matrix.
Geological Context
Fluorite commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, often alongside metallic ores, and can also be found in pegmatites, carbonatites, and as an accessory mineral in some igneous and metamorphic rocks.
