Fluorite Faceting Information

Fluorite Faceting Information

Color: Colorless, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, red and orange
Moh's Hardness: 4
Refractive Index: 1.434
Critical Angle: 44.37°
Specific Gravity: 3.18
Cleavage: Perfect in 4 directions
Fracture: Even to conchoidal, brittle
Dispersion: .007
Heat Sensitivity: High, in my experience
Birefringence (double refraction): None
Crystal Structure: Isometric

Treatments: Generally none, sometimes can be irradiated.

What I prefer to polishing with: Flourite is not something I cut, recommended polishes are wax lap with Alumina or tin oxide or chrome oxide Ultralap. Orient the table about 10 degrees off the crystal face to reduce cleavage problems.

Jeff's Comments: Cuts pretty easily, and can be a tough to polish. Watch the heat when dopping... Typically has silk and cleavage problems

Design Notes: About any designs will work well.

Jeff R. Graham

The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.

View All Articles