F luorite(CaF2) is one of the most popular crystal specimens. It can be found in most home collections and museums. Fluorite forms beautiful clusters of outstanding crystals across the color spectrum with many being fluorescent.
Fluorite gets its name from the Latin fl u e r e meaning “to flow.” Fluorite has been popular throughout history. Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, named fluorite his “most precious substance.” It is the official state mineral of Illinois.