Fluorite, also known as Fluorspar, is basically a mineral that is made up of the elements Calcium and Fluorine. The word “Fluorite” originates from the Latin root “fluo” which means “to flow”. It was used before as a flux to decrease the viscosity of slags from iron smelting.
Fluorite is an isomeric mineral with the formula CaF2- it is naturally occurring calcium fluoride. In the crystal structure of fluorite, each atom of calcium is surrounded by eight fluoride anions which are positioned at the corners of a cubic lattice surrounding the calcium.
Fluorite is one of the most popular minerals for collectors because it is very colorful, abundant, is found in large crystals, and is inexpensive. Thousands of localities worldwide produce specimens of fluorite. There are likely millions of fluorite specimens on the market at any time, never any shortage!
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