Fluorite
Fluorite is the only gem mineral that exists in every color, and it was named "fluorspar" (in Japanese, literally "glowing stone") because it exhibits beautiful fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light. It is used as a flux in blast furnaces, and its name is derived from the Latin word "fluere," meaning "to flow."
Fluorite exhibiting a beautiful purple fluorescence
Basic Information
| English Name | Fluorite |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Hotaruseki (Fluorite) |
| Chemical Formula | CaF2 |
| System | Isometric |
| Hardness | 4 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.18 |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
Characteristics & Varieties
- Fluorescence: Exhibits a soft glowing fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light.
- Blue John: Banded stone found in Derbyshire, England, featuring blue, purple, reddish-purple, and green colors.
- Phantom Fluorite: Specimens that display repeating rectangular striped patterns.
- Cleavage: Pronounced cleavage in four directions, all at right angles to each other.
Origin, Synonyms, Treatments & Similar Stones
Primary Origins: UK (Derbyshire), China, USA, etc.
Synonyms: Fluorspar, Emerald Matrix (for green varieties).
Treatments: Irradiation (to create deep green or purple colors), impregnation (oils or resins used in cleaved areas).
Similar Stones: Amethyst, Blue Zoisite, Morganite, Emerald, etc.
Caution: Due to its cleavage, great care must be taken in how it is processed and handled.