FLUORITE
Specifications
Mineral Class: Halide
Crystal System: Cubic
Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Diaphaneity: Transparent to Translucent
Colors: Colorless, Purple, Green, Blue, Pink, Yellow, White, Black
Symbolizes: Concentration
Source: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, Germany, Mexico, Peru, and USA
Fluorite, also known as Fluorspar, is a form of Calcium Fluoride. Fluorite forms in isometric cubic habits, but can also form as octahedral, as well as other more complex isometric forms. When Fluorite is pure, it will appear colorless or transparent in visible and ultraviolet lights. It is very common for slight chemical impurities to be present within Fluorite giving it the variety of colors we see within the gemstone. In fact, it is known as the most colorful mineral in the world.
Fluorite comes from the Latin verb fluere which means to flow. This is because industrially, Fluorite is used as a flux for iron smelting and the term flux comes from the Latin adjective fluxus, meaning flowing, loose, or slack. Fluorite is used commercially in an array of industries, ranging from microscopes to hyaluronic acid as well as being used in enamels and other acids. Fluorite is often found in limestone. The beautiful colorfulness of Fluorite can remind us to live life in color and to the fullest.