Yellow fluorite owes its color to small imperfections in its structure called color centers. These centers form when fluoride ions (F⁻) are missing from the crystal lattice, creating vacancies where electrons get trapped. These trapped electrons absorb specific wavelengths of light, particularly blue light, which causes the fluorite to appear yellow. Natural radiation from the ground can create or modify these color centers by exciting the electrons, thus affecting the mineral's color. Additionally, trace amounts of other elements like iron or rare earth metals can influence the color by altering light absorption. In summary, the yellow color of fluorite results from these internal imperfections and external influences.
