Green Fluorite
Fluorite (Calcium Fluoride) · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Cubic; habit is typically octahedral or cubic. This specimen shows massive form with prominent octahedral cleavage planes.
Mineral Group
Halides
Chemical Formula
CaF2 (Calcium Fluoride) with internal impurities such as REE determining color
Formation Process
Hydrothermal; typically formed in veins by the precipitation of calcium and fluorine from hot mineral-carrying solutions.
About This Crystal
Transluscant to transparent pale green specimen with visible internal fractures and distinctive octahedral cleavage steps. The luster is vitreous (glass-like) and the surface appears slightly grainy where cleaved.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Mint green; Streak: White; Cleavage: Perfect octahedral (four directions); Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven; Specific Gravity: 3.175–3.56; Fluorescence: Strong blue-violet under longwave UV.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.433 (Isotropic); Birefringence: None (singly refractive); Dispersion: 0.007 (very low); No pleochroism.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include China, Mexico, South Africa, and the United Kingdom (Durham). Common in hydrothermal veins.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 4.0; Toughness: Brittle; Low stability; highly sensitive to heat and scratching; low wearability for rings.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with warm soapy water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, and harsh chemicals. Store separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching. Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
Rarity & Value
Common; value is determined by color intensity and transparency. Inexpensive as rough specimens; faceted stones are more for collectors than jewelry.
Special Characteristics
Contains 'fluorite' fluorescence namesake; exhibits internal 'cleavage rainbows' in some light due to thin-film interference within internal cracks.
Lore & History
Historically used as a 'flux' in metallurgy to lower the melting point of ores. Culturally associated with mental clarity and focus. Named from the Latin 'fluere' meaning 'to flow'.