Properties of Fluorite

Fluorite is a mineral composed of calcium fluoride (CaF2). It is known for its wide range of colors and often occurs in cubic or octahedral crystal forms. Fluorite is a common mineral found in various geological environments, including hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and some granitic rocks.

Image of fluorite mineral
Credit: Raimond Spekking, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of fluorite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Fluorite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaCaF2
Molar Mass78.075 g/mol
Crystal SystemCubic
Mohs Hardness4
Density3180 kg/m3
ColorWhite, yellow, green, red, or blue
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
LusterVitreous (glassy)
FractureConchoidal, splintery
StreakWhite
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point1418 °C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)1.95×10-5 1/°C
Optical PropertiesMetric
Refractive Index (nD)1.434

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.