Fluorite
Fluorite is a colorful mineral known for its beautiful cubic crystals and wide range of colors including purple, green, blue, yellow, and clear. It fluoresces under UV light and is used in industry, jewelry, and as a collector specimen. Fluorite is relatively soft but highly valued for its beauty.
Physical Properties of Fluorite
| Texture | Crystalline |
| Colors | Purple, green, blue, yellow, clear, pink, multicolored |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic |
| Grain Size | Crystalline |
| Hardness | 4 |
| Density | 3.0-3.3 g/cm³ |
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Chemical Properties of Fluorite
Main Elements:
Ca, F
Chemical Composition:
CaF₂ (Calcium Fluoride)
Health Risk of Fluorite
Fluorite can release fluorine gas when heated, which is toxic. Avoid heating fluorite. Generally safe to handle at room temperature.
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Market Price:
Polished: $3-$200+ per piece (varies greatly by quality and color)
Raw/Tumbled: $2-$100+ per piece
Characteristics of Fluorite
Density:
3.0-3.3 g/cm³
Compressive Strength:
Variable
Melting Point:
1418°C
Formation:
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a gangue mineral in ore deposits. Often forms beautiful cubic or octahedral crystals.
Composition:
Composed of calcium fluoride (CaF₂), making it the main source of fluorine.
Types:
- Purple Fluorite
- Green Fluorite
- Blue John (banded)
- Rainbow Fluorite
- Clear Fluorite
Etymology:
Derived from the Latin word "fluere" meaning "to flow", because fluorite was used as a flux in metal smelting.
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Cultural Significance of Fluorite
Uses:
- Steelmaking (flux)
- Optical lenses
- Jewelry
- Collector specimens
- Fluorescent lamps
Distribution:
Found worldwide, especially China, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States
Historical Use:
Used for centuries as a flux in steelmaking. The famous Blue John from England has been mined for over 2,000 years.
Symbolism:
Represents clarity, focus, and mental clarity. Used in spiritual practices for enhancing intuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does fluorite fluoresce?
Fluorite fluoresces under UV light due to impurities in its crystal structure. Different colors fluoresce differently - some glow blue, green, or purple.
What is fluorite used for?
Fluorite is used as a flux in steelmaking, in optical lenses, jewelry, collector specimens, and fluorescent lamps. It's the main source of fluorine.
Is fluorite fragile?
Fluorite is relatively soft (hardness 4) and can be scratched easily. It also has perfect cleavage, meaning it breaks along flat planes.
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