About
Fluorite has interesting cleavage habits. The perfect cleavage parallel to the octahedral faces can sometimes be peeled off to smooth out a crystal into a perfect octahedron. Many crystals, especially larger ones, have their edges or sections chipped off because of the cleavage.
Fluorite is one of the more famous fluorescent minerals. Many specimens strongly fluoresce, in a great variation of color. In fact, the word "fluorescent" is derived from the mineral Fluorite. The name of the element fluorine is also derived from Fluorite, as Fluorite is by far the most common and well-known fluorine mineral.
For additional information, see the gemstones section on Fluorite.
Crystal Forms & Aggregates
Other ID Marks
Complex Tests
Striking Features
Environment
Varieties
✓ common · ✗ uncommon
- Antozonite— Variety of Fluorite containing uncombined fluorine ions. When fractured or cleaved, this variety gives off a peculiar odor.
- Blue John— Banded purple and white (or purple and yellow) variety of Fluorite.
- Chlorophane— Variety of Fluorite that is thermoluminescent, emitting bright green light when heated.
- Yttrocerite— Variety of Fluorite in which the elements cerium and yttrium partially replace the calcium in the chemical structure. Its chemical formula is (Ca,Ce,Y)F2.
- Yttrofluorite— Variety of Fluorite in which the element yttrium partially replaces the calcium in its chemical structure. Its chemical formula is (Ca,Y)F2.
Uses
Ornamental objects have been found carved from Fluorite. It is soft and creates beautiful ornaments if a large enough chunk is found. Fluorite very often occurs in unflawed crystals in beautiful colors, but its softness prevents it from being a gemstone and it is only faceted for collectors. Fluorite is a very popular mineral among collectors, especially those of classic occurrences which can command exorbitant prices.
Noteworthy Localities
Bright blue Fluorite crystals are known from several areas in France. Three particular important localities are Le Burg (Le Burc) and Mont-Roc, both in Tarn, and Le Beix, in Puy-de-Dome. Pink octahedrons, highly valued by collectors, were found in the Alps near the Argentiere Glacier, Mont Blanc, Chamonix, France; and at Göscheneralp, Uri, Switzerland. Fine crystals are also found in Spain in Caravia, Asturias, especially in the Berbes, La Collada, and Villabona areas. In Germany, fine Fluorite has come from the Erzgebirge in Saxony at Frohnau and the Freiberg District.
Excellent Fluorite specimens are well known from Dal'negorsk, Primorskiy Kray, Russia, and these are very highly regarded by collectors. China has become an excellent producer of Fluorite, with notable occurrences at the Yaogangxian mine, Hunan Province; Shangrao (De'An), Jiangxi Province; the Huanggang Mine, Inner Mongolia; and the Shangbao Mine, Hunan Province. Rounded botryoidal balls, a rare form for Fluorite, comes from Mahodari, Nasik District, Maharashtra, India.
In South Africa, excellent deep-green Fluorites were recently discovered in Riemvasmaak, Northern Cape Province. This occurrence has become one of the most popular Fluorite localities in recent times. The Erongo Mountains of Namibia have produced a highly desirable and unique habit of green Fluorite in cuboctahedral form with an "alien eye" appearance.
In South America, excellent Peruvian localities include the Pasto Bueno District, Pallasca Province, Ancash; and the Huanzala Mine, Huallanca District, Huanuco. Mexico has some fine notable Fluorite locations, specifically Naica, Chihuahua; Melchor Muzquiz, Coahuila; and Mapimi and Navidad, Durango. Canada has produced some some fine crystals, in the Rock Candy Mine, Grand Forks, British Columbia.
The U.S. also contains numerous fine Fluorite occurrences. Hardin Co., Illinois, has produced more collectible specimens than anywhere in the U.S., and the locations of Rosiclare, Cave In Rock, and the Harris Creek District (Denton and Annabel Lee Mines) are very famous. Other excellent Fluorite deposits are Marion, Crittenden Co., Kentucky; Clay Center, Ottawa Co., Ohio; the Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith Co., Tennessee; Grant Co., New Mexico; and Walworth, Wayne Co., New York. Excellent green octahedrons are found in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Another very important occurrence is the Blanchard Mine, Bingham, Socorro Co., New Mexico.
Common Mineral Associations
Distinguishing Similar Minerals
Quartz - Much harder (7), no cleavage.
Apatite - Harder (5), different crystal form.
Halite - Softer (2 - 2½), has a salty taste.
Photos
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