Fluorite Quartz l'Avellan

Fluorite covered with mini quartz mine de l'Avellan France year 90.

Dimensions: length 135mm x width 110mm x height 65mm.

Weight: 710g 

Chemical formula and composition: Fluorite has the chemical formula CaF2. It is composed of calcium and fluorine.

Hardness: Fluorite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale.

Density: The density of fluorite varies from 3.0 to 3.3. The higher the density, the heavier the stone for a given size.

Colour and possible variations: Fluorite can present a wide range of colours, including violet, blue, green, yellow, pink and even colourless.

Simple tests to help identify the stone:

Scratch: Use a piece of copper (hardness about 3) to scratch the surface of the fluorite. True fluorite should not be scratched by copper but can be scratched by a steel knife blade (hardness around 5.5).

Reaction with acids: Fluorite is soluble in concentrated sulphuric acid, producing hydrogen fluoride vapours.