Fluorite, also known as fluorspar, is a mineral composed of calcium and fluoride, also known as calcium fluoride. It is available in every color of the rainbow. Fluorite has been used in many industrial applications since at least the 1500s. It has cubic-shaped crystals. Because optically clear transparent fluorite lenses have low dispersion, they exhibit less chromatic aberration, making them useful in microscopes and telescopes. Fluorite optics can also be used in the far-ultraviolet and mid-infrared ranges, where standard glasses are too opaque.
Interesting facts about Fluorite:
Fluorite is colorless when pure. Fluorite’s color is caused by various impurities.
Fluorite is used in the production of aluminum to lower the melting point of metal.
When exposed to UV light, fluorite glows.
Although fluorite can be found in almost every primary color, it is most commonly found in yellow, green, blue, or purple.
Because some fluorite is ceramic-like, it is used to make cookware.
Fluorite is used in jewelry making, particularly with beads.
Fluorite is used in the manufacture of microscope lenses.
In Germany, naturally occurring fluorine gas was recently discovered near fluorite mines.
Fluorite can have a multicolored or banded appearance.
Fluorite is the most abundant source of elemental fluorine.
Impurities in colored fluorite can sometimes be removed, resulting in pure, colorless fluorite.
Fluorite is used in carving because of its soft texture.
Fluorite is derived from the Latin word fluere, which means “to flow.”
Fluorite is typically transparent.
Fluorite is frequently discovered in limestone.
