Earlier known as fluorspar, fluorite comparatively has a limited utility as a gemstone than other gems because of its less hardness. Fluorite has a zonal or patchy distribution of color, which can be altered by radiation. Fluorite gives its name to the property of fluorescence, as many samples fluoresce strongly in ultra-violet light. The fluorescence may be due to impurities such as yttrium in the crystal lattice.

Locations:

It is found in Ontario in Canada and various localities in USA like in Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Ohio, New Hampshire, and New York. It is also widely found Thailand, South Africa, Mexico, Peru, England, Norway, Austria and Germany. Pink colored crystals are found in Switzerland.

Beautiful purple-blue variety known as “Blue John” which is combination of purple and yellow bands is found in Derbyshire (England). Blue John is named after the French words "bleu et jaune" meaning blue and yellow. Recent deposits in China have produced fluorite with similar colouring and banding to the classic Blue John stone.

Chemical Composition: Calcium Fluoride
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Hardness: 4
Specific Gravity: 3.18
Refractive Index: 1.43
Colors: Yellow, blue, pink, purple, green and pink.
Luster: Vitreous

Astrological Relevance:

Fluorite is considered as one of the birthstones for the zodiac sign of Aquarius (January 21 To February 21).