Minerals · common
Fluorite
Fluorite is a colorful mineral that often exhibits multiple colors in a single specimen. It's the defining mineral for 4 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Also known as: fluorspar, fluorescent, rainbow mineral.
Fluorite properties at a glance
| Type | Minerals |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CaF2 |
| Mohs hardness | 4 |
| Crystal system | cubic |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Perfect octahedral |
| Fracture | Flat |
| Specific gravity | 3.2 |
| Transparency | transparent |
| Common colors | Purple, Green, Blue, Yellow, Colorless, Pink |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with lead and zinc ore deposits.
Ancient Egyptians carved fluorite into statues and scarabs; Chinese have used it for over 300 years.
How to identify Fluorite
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Fluorite examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Full Fluorite identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Fluorite vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Fluorite.
Where Fluorite is found
Fluorite is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Fluorite worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $5 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $25 |
| Premium specimen | $200+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Industrial flux
- Optics
- Collector specimens
- Jewelry
Interesting facts
- The word 'fluorescent' comes from fluorite
- Some specimens glow under UV light
- Used as a flux in steel and aluminum production
Care & safety
Treat Fluorite as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Fluorite FAQ
What is Fluorite?
Fluorite is a colorful mineral that often exhibits multiple colors in a single specimen. It's the defining mineral for 4 on the Mohs hardness scale.
How much is Fluorite worth?
Entry-level Fluorite specimens sell for around $5, a typical collector specimen for about $25, and premium pieces for $200 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Fluorite?
Fluorite has a Mohs hardness of 4. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
Where is Fluorite found?
Notable sources of Fluorite include China, Mexico, USA, UK, and South Africa. Forms in hydrothermal veins, often associated with lead and zinc ore deposits..
What is Fluorite used for?
Fluorite is used for industrial flux, optics, collector specimens, and jewelry.
