Halide · Mohs 4
Fluorite: Identification, Meaning & Care
Fluorite is a relatively soft calcium fluoride mineral famous for cubic crystals and strong color zoning.
Fluorite properties
- Formula
- CaF₂
- Mineral group
- Halide
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Color
- Purple, green, blue, yellow, or colorless
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Cleavage / fracture
- Perfect octahedral
How to identify Fluorite
- Cubic crystals and stepped faces are common.
- Perfect cleavage can produce triangular or octahedral fragments.
- It is much softer than quartz and scratches more easily during wear.
Fluorite care
Water
Avoid soaking, salt water, acids, and ultrasonic cleaning.
Light & heat
Many colors can fade with prolonged strong light.
Storage
Store separately from harder materials and cushion sharp edges, points, or cleavage-prone faces.
Traditional meaning
Often linked with organization or mental clarity in contemporary folklore.
Traditional symbolism is presented as cultural history or personal practice, not as a scientific or medical claim.
Sources & further checking
- Mindat mineral database
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia
- RRUFF mineral database
- International Mineralogical Association
See our full methodology.