Fluorite
ID: 16
Fluorite
Chemical Formula
CaF₂
Hardness (Mohs)
4
Crystal System
Isometric
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous (glassy)
Diaphaneity
Transparent to translucent to opaque
Color
Wide range including purple, green, blue, yellow, colorless, pink, red, black, brown, multi-banded.
Crystal Habit / Mode of Occurrence
Isometric - Hexoctahedral; typically cubic, often with twinning; also octahedral, massive, granular.
Fun Facts
Fluorite is famous for its fluorescence, often glowing under UV light, which is how the phenomenon of "fluorescence" got its name. Common Uses: Flux in steel and aluminum production, source of fluorine for hydrofluoric acid (used in chemical industries, refrigerants, and more), optical lenses, ornamental stone.