Fluorite

Fluorite, formerly known as fluorspar, has limited use as a gemstone. It is relatively soft, and therefore, easily scratched. However, the wide range of colors (including yellow, blue, pink, purple, and green), the frequent incidence of more than one color in a single specimen, and zoning or patchy distribution of color, make it an interesting stone.

Despite its fragility and perfect octahedral cleavage, stones may be faceted (usually for collectors). Also, it can polished very brightly. Cabochons of fluorite have been capped with rock crystal to protect them from scratching.

Fluorite has a smooth cleavage surface. It may be mistaken for glass, feldspar, beryl, or quartz. It is soft and difficult to facet. The Fluorite crystal may appear as twinned crystals in nature. Similarly, it is also found embedded in matrix. So, some of them may come with white quartz crystals embedded in the host rock.

The Ancient Egyptians used fluorite in statues and to carve scarabs, and the Chinese have used it in carvings for more than 300 years. In the 18^th century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms associated with kidney disease.       

Occurrence

Fluorite is found in Canada, the USA (where some of the largest crystals are located), Thailand, South Africa, Mexico, Peru, China, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic/Slovakia, Germany, Norway, and England. Pink octahedral crystals are found in Switzerland.

Fluorite Properties

• Specific Gravity: 3.18
• Refractive Index: 1.43
• Birefringence (DR): None
• Luster: Vitreous
• Crystal Structure: Cubic
• Composition: Calcium fluoride
• Hardness: 4

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