What is Fluorite?
Fluorite, the mineral form of calcium fluoride, belongs to the halides group. Exhibiting isometric cubic habit, it crystallizes in various forms, including octahedral and more complex structures. Renowned for its vibrant colors visible in both natural and ultraviolet light, fluorite serves ornamental and industrial purposes, making it a versatile and valuable mineral. |
| Rainbow Fluorite |
Properties of Fluorite
- Composition - Calcium fluoride (CaFā) crystal with impurities.
- ColorĀ -Ā Multicolored bands, encompassing purple, green, blue, yellow, pink, and clear.
- Crystal SystemĀ -Ā Cubic.
- HardnessĀ -Ā 4 on Mohs scale.
- CleavageĀ -Ā Perfect cleavage in four directions.
- LusterĀ -Ā Vitreous (glassy).
- TransparencyĀ -Ā Transparent to translucent.
- DensityĀ -Ā 3.0 to 3.3 g/cmĀ³.
- Specific GravityĀ -Ā 3.175ā3.184; up to 3.56 if high in rare-earth elements.
- FluorescenceĀ -Ā Exhibits fluorescence under UV light (blue to purple).
- FractureĀ -Ā Brittle with uneven fractures.
What are Fluorite colors?
Fluorite is rightfully hailed as "the most colorful mineral in the world." Displaying a broad spectrum, it showcases every color of the rainbow along with white, black, and clear crystals. Predominant colors include purple, blue, green, yellow, and colorless varieties.
Why is Fluorite's streak white?
The streak of fluorite is white, representing its true powdered form. The presence of impurities causing color or tint in the mineral specimen is insignificant in powdered form, revealing the white streak.
What is Fluorite fluorescence?
Fluorite's fluorescence, discovered in 1852, is a phenomenon where the mineral emits visible light under UV light. The fluorescence is attributed to impurities like yttrium or organic matter within the crystal lattice. Colors during fluorescence are highly variable, with blue being typical, and specimens often exhibiting different colors under long and short wave UV light.
What is Fluorite used for?
Fluorite finds industrial applications as a smelting flux and in the production of certain glasses and enamels. Optically clear transparent fluorite lenses, known for low dispersion, are valued in microscopes and telescopes, reducing chromatic aberration. Fluorite optics are also usable in far-ultraviolet and mid-infrared ranges, where conventional glasses fall short.
What is the rarest color of Fluorite?
Purple or violet, often rivaling the richness of amethyst, stands out as the classic and sought-after color of fluorite. Blue fluorite is rare and highly coveted, while brilliant yellow and other colors like pink, black, and colorless are considered among the rarest.
Where can Fluorite be found?
Fluorite deposits are widespread globally, with significant finds in Argentina, Austria, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States.
Where can you find Fluorite in North America?
One of the largest deposits of fluorspar in North America is located in the Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland, Canada. The first official recognition of fluorspar in the area was recorded by geologist J.B. Jukes in 1843. He noted an occurrence of "galena" or lead ore and fluoride of lime on the west side of St. Lawrence harbor.
It is recorded that interest in the commercial mining of fluorspar began in 1928 with the first ore being extracted in 1933. Eventually at Iron Springs Mine, the shafts reached depths of 970 feet (300 m). In the St. Lawrence area, the veins are persistent for great lengths and several of them have wide lenses. The area with veins of known workable size comprises about 60 square miles (160 km2).Uses of Fluorite
Beyond its ornamental allure, fluorite plays a crucial role in various industries. It serves as a smelting flux, aids in glass and enamel manufacturing, and contributes to the production of hydrofluoric acid ā a vital component in fine chemicals containing fluorine. Its purest grades make fluorite lenses indispensable in optical instruments like microscopes and telescopes, showcasing its versatility and significance in both industrial and scientific domains.Photos of Fluorite
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| Colour intense octahedron fluorite from Riemvasmaak fluorite occurrences, Kakamas District, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.Collection, photo & Ā© Albert Russ |
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| Fluorite type second generation, a combination of the crystal forms of cube and rhombic dodecahedron. Collection, photo & Ā© Andreas Schmid |
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| Rainbow Fluorite, Photo: Joe Kienle |
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| Marvelous Fluorite from Shangbao Mine Hunan Province China. Photo :Ā Exceptionalminerals..com |
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| Rare fluorite-slice from Wƶlsendorf, Bavaria! Collection, photo & Ā© Gerhard Brandstetter |
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| Stunning Fluorite crystal is from a southern Illinois mine. | Photo: Matthew Webb @MineralSpecimen |
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| This incredible large color changing fluorite from Madagascar!! This beautiful specimen |
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| Rainbow Fluorite is just bands of different Colors. Photo by Joanne Dusatko |
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| A botryoidal Fluorite from Gunxian cut and polished!Ā from Banded fluorite from Guxian, Xinyang PrƤfektur, Henan, China. Specimen, Photo & Ā© Roland Noack |
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A perfect fluorite balls. The fluorite is not treated with oil or water. Collection,Photo & Ā© Egil Hollund
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| Amber coloured fluorite on quartz from Annaberg-Frohnau, Erzgebirge, Saxonia, Eastern Germany. Photo : Jesse Fisher |
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| Beautiful sharp edged and intense yellow-colored fluorite from Aouli, Morocco. | Ā Photo Ā© Egil Hollund |
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| Fantastic fluorite on dolomite from Elmwood Mine, Tennessee. | Credit: Anton Watzl |
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| Fluorite and barite. from Guxian, Landkreis Tongbai, Provinz Henan Photo & Ā© Joaquim Callen |
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| Remarkable Polished Rainbow Fluorite from Hunan Province, Hunan Province, China |
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| Splendid fluorite crystals with a quartz on them. |
Fluorite, with its kaleidoscope of colors and diverse applications, continues to be a mineral of fascination, bridging the realms of aesthetics and industry.
