Gemstone profile and identification guide
Fluorite
Fluorite is a calcium fluoride mineral known for wide colour variation, strong cleavage, and common fluorescence.
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Overview
Fluorite is a calcium fluoride mineral known for wide colour variation, strong cleavage, and common fluorescence.
Did you know? The term fluorescence originated from observations of fluorite under ultraviolet light.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Fluorite
Scientific classification: Halide (Fluorite)
Hardness: 4 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Primary colour: Purple
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Purples
Low hardness, cubic habit, and perfect octahedral cleavage are strong diagnostic indicators.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are given as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 4 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium fluoride (CaF2)
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Common locations: China, Mexico, Mongolia, South Africa, Spain
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Commonly purple or green, often with zoned colour bands in transparent to translucent crystals.
Optical effects: Fluorescence
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Fluorite
Mineral group: Halide group
Chemical formula: Calcium fluoride (CaF2)
Mohs hardness: 4
Crystal system: Isometric (Cubic)
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect octahedral cleavage in four directions
Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.00-3.25
Refractive index: 1.433
Optical phenomena: Fluorescence (common, variable)
Colour range: Colorless, purple, green, blue, yellow, pink
Common inclusions: Colour zoning, growth tubes, fluid inclusions
Geological environment: Hydrothermal veins and carbonate replacement systems
Principal mining regions: China, Mexico, Mongolia, South Africa, Spain
Important commercial sources: Commercial lapidary fluorite is mainly sourced from China and Mexico
Historical significance: Important mineral in optics and industry, and long collected as a specimen mineral.
Common treatments: Generally untreated for specimen material; dyed carvings may occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic fluorite products exist for optics and imitation use.
Common look-alikes: Amethyst, glass, purple calcite
Jewellery uses: Used in collector specimens, carvings, and occasional protected jewellery settings.
Care recommendations: Soft with perfect cleavage; avoid impact, abrasives, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Fluorite.
Formation
Forms in hydrothermal veins and carbonate-hosted replacement deposits.
Origin
Commercial lapidary fluorite is mainly sourced from China and Mexico
Uses
Best for: Used in collector specimens, carvings, and occasional protected jewellery settings.
Ideal uses: Collector pieces and low-impact jewellery due to softness.
Care
Soft with perfect cleavage; avoid impact, abrasives, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Fluorite FAQ
How can I identify Fluorite?
Compare hardness (4 Mohs), crystal system (Isometric (Cubic)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Fluorite appear in?
Commonly purple or green, often with zoned colour bands in transparent to translucent crystals.
Where is Fluorite commonly used?
Collector pieces and low-impact jewellery due to softness.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 01 factual verification pass.