Fluorite

Chemical Composition
Formula: CaF₂ (Calcium Fluoride)

Physical Properties
Color: Green, purple, blue, yellow, pink, colorless, or multicolored (often zoned)
Luster: Vitreous
Hardness (Mohs scale) : 4
Cleavage: Perfect in four directions (octahedral)
Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven
Density: 3.18 g/cm³
Crystal System: Isometric (Cubic)
Streak: White

Origin and Location
Major Sources:
China (world's largest producer)
Mexico
South Africa
Mongolia
United States (Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado)
UK (Derbyshire, Weardale)
Varieties
Blue John: A rare banded variety found only in Castleton, England
Yttrofluorite: Fluorite containing yttrium
Chlorophane: Fluorite that exhibits thermoluminescence when heated


Uses and Applications
Industrial Uses:
Flux in steel production
Production of hydrofluoric acid (HF)
Optical lenses (due to low dispersion)
Ceramics and glassmaking


Decorative Uses:
Jewelry (although soft, so used with care)
Ornamental carvings


Curiosities or Interesting Facts
Fluorite is one of the most fluorescent minerals under UV light — the term "fluorescence" comes from fluorite!
It can exhibit intense color zoning, often showing multiple colors in a single crystal.
Some fluorite samples can glow under heat (thermoluminescence).
Metaphysical Properties (Optional)
Believed to improve mental clarity and decision-making.
Used to protect from negative energy and stress.


Formation Process:
Forms in hydrothermal veins, often with minerals like quartz, calcite, and galena.
Can also form in cavities of sedimentary rocks.


History and Discovery:
Known and used since ancient times — Romans used it to carve drinking vessels.
The name comes from the Latin fluere (meaning "to flow"), referring to its use as a flux in metallurgy.

Optical Properties:
Displays strong fluorescence under UV light.
Exhibits thermoluminescence and phosphorescence in some cases.


Mineral Classification:
Class: Halide
Group: Fluorite Group