Fluorite
| Colour | Purple, Green, Blue, Clear, Red, Yellow |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 4 (defining mineral) |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Isometric |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Octahedral, perfect on {111}, parting on {011} |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal to uneven |
| Chemical formula | CaF 2 |
| Specific gravity | 3.175–3.184; to 3.56 if high in rare-earth elements |
What is Fluorite?
Fluorite (also called fluorspar) is the mineral form of calcium fluoride, CaF2. It belongs to the halide minerals. It crystallizes in isometric cubic habit, although octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon.
How to identify Fluorite
- Lustre: Vitreous.
- Hardness: Mohs 4 (defining mineral) — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Isometric crystal system.
Fluorite in different forms
Stones often confused with Fluorite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Fluorite?
Fluorite is Mohs 4 (defining mineral) on the hardness scale.
What colour is Fluorite?
Fluorite is typically purple, green, blue, clear, red, yellow (Colorless, although samples are often deeply colored owing to impurities; Purple, lilac, golden-yellow, green, blue, pin).