03/17/2026
We missed due to the chaos of the Gem Show but here's a familiar friend with a hidden talent.
Fluorite - CaF2
Found worldwide, this unassuming combination of Calcium and Fluorine is used in a variety of industrial processes. It creates flux which cleans impurities from steel and aluminum smelting, making metals stronger and easier to work with. It creates sharp image lenses for telescopes, microscopes, and cameras. It's also the primary source of hydrofluoric acid, which is used in creating refrigerants, plastics, and high-octane gasoline.
Ironic that the mineral used so heavily in purifying is hiding it's own 'dirty' secret.
Fluorite comes in just about any color you can imagine, but not all can be seen with the naked eye. Pure fluorite is colorless but impurities (usually rare-earth elements) make it come to life under ultra-violet light. In fact, the phenomenon of fluorescence - when light is re-emitted after being absorbed as energy inside a substance- is named for this mineral.
If you own a piece of fluorite, test it out. Shine a UV light on it (short wave is best) or expose it to sunlight- it may show you a new side of itself. Then come check out the fluorescent display in the museum for even more color.
PS- Mention the mineral in this post for $1 off your admission fee until March 31.
