Fluorite (calcium fluoride) or fluorspar is a mineral occuring in many different colours, found in veins where it’s the main mineral or with metallic ores, especially lead and silver. It is common in dolomites and limestone and is associated with many different minerals. It is used chiefly as a flux in the making of steel, and also for enameling, and in the preparation of hydroflouric acid. It has the formulae CaF2 and a relative hardness of 4.
Related terms: