Formerly called fluorspar, fluorite has limited use as a gemstone because 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), and can be polished very brightly. Cabochons of fluorite have been capped with rock crystal to protect them from scratching.

Localities include Canada, USA (where some of the largest crystals are found), South Africa, Thailand, Peru, Mexico, China, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Norway, England, and Germany. Pink octahedral fluorite is found in Switzerland. A purple and yellow banded variety called Blue John occurs in Derbyshire (England) which is mostly sought for collectors.

Fluorite is soft and difficult to facet. It may be mistaken for glass, feldspar, beryl, or quartz. The key identifying feature of this gemstone is its low R.I. (1.434) with high S.G. (3.18).

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 18th century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms associated with kidney disease.

Chemical Composition: 

Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂), Yttrium & Cerium may substitute for Ca

Colors / Varieties: 

All colors / Blue John: a massive variety with curved bands of blue, violet or purple. Transparency: Transparent to opaque.

Crystal System / Forms: 

Cubic System / Cubes, interpenetrant cubic crystals, octahedral and less often dodecahedral.

Hardness: 

4

Specific Gravity: 

3.00 - 3.25 (3.18)

Cleavage / Fracture: 

Perfect 4 directional octahedral / Step-like.

Optic Character: 

Isotropic (S.R.)

Lustre: 

Vitreous

Refractive Index / Birefringence: 

1.434 / Nil

Pleochroism: 

Nil

Dispersion: 

0.007

Magnification: 

Triangular negative crystals, triangular two phase inclusions, cleavage cracks, liquid inclusions, violet (purple) colored bands.

U.V. Fluorescence: 

Strong violet blue (varies with color).

Spectrum: 

Green variety: strong band at 427nm, weak bands at 634nm, 610nm, 582nm, 445nm.

Cause of Color: 

Color centers involving yttrium, cerium and fluorine.

Treatment (Enhancement): 

• Colorless impregnation in fractures with oil or resin.
• Heating to lighten dark blue color.

Specific Tests: 

• Sensitive to heat and chemicals.
• Poor toughness.

Synthesis: 

Not for commercial use.

Simulants (with separation tests): 

It is a good simulant for natural gemstones like emerald, jade, etc.

Geological Occurrence: 

Hydrothermal deposits, as veins in oolitic limestone.

Sources: 

U.S.A., Mexico, Germany, India (Rajasthan, Orissa), England, Norway, Brazil, Italy.

Cuts & Uses: 

Facetted, cabochons, beads, carvings, etc.