Where is Fluorite found?
Fluorite
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Open the appFluorite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Fluorite
Illinois and Kentucky, USA
Historically significant deposits, particularly for industrial-grade fluorspar, found in vein and bedded deposits.
Mexico
Major producer, with significant deposits in states like San Luis Potos and Coahuila, often associated with lead-zinc mineralization.
China
World's largest producer of fluorite, with numerous deposits across various provinces.
Spain
Notable deposits, particularly in Asturias, known for high-quality specimens.
United Kingdom
Historically important deposits in Derbyshire (Blue John fluorite) and Weardale, County Durham.
Germany
Various localities, including the Black Forest and Harz Mountains, known for diverse crystal habits and colors.
Collecting tips
- Look for Associated Minerals. Fluorite often occurs with quartz, calcite, barite, galena, sphalerite, and various other sulfide minerals in hydrothermal veins. Identifying these associated minerals can indicate the presence of fluorite.
- Check for Cleavage. The perfect octahedral cleavage is a key diagnostic feature. Even in massive forms, small cleavage planes might be visible. Gently tapping a specimen can sometimes reveal these cleavage planes.
- Test Hardness. Fluorite has a Mohs hardness of 4, meaning it can be scratched by a knife blade or a steel file, but it will scratch gypsum (2) and calcite (3). This helps distinguish it from harder minerals like quartz (7) or softer ones like gypsum.
- Observe Fluorescence. Many fluorite specimens exhibit fluorescence under shortwave or longwave ultraviolet (UV) light, typically glowing blue, green, or purple. This is a distinctive, though not universal, characteristic.
- Examine Crystal Habit. Look for characteristic cubic or octahedral crystals. Well-formed crystals are often found in vugs or open spaces within veins.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Highly variable (purple, blue, green, yellow, colorless, etc.)
- Luster:
- Vitreous (glassy)
- Streak:
- White
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