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Fluorite, also called fluorspar, is a mineral composed of calcium and fluorine (CaF2). It derives its name from the discovery by George Gabriel Stokes in 1852, where he found the specimens of fluorite produced a glow when illuminated by light and he thus coined the term “fluorescence”. This term is widely used within the scientific community today. Fluorite’s fluorescence is one of its identifying characteristics and will glow a blue-violet color under short-wave ultraviolet and long-wave ultraviolet light. This phenomenon is thought to be caused when trace amounts of yttrium, europium, samarium, or other elements substitute for calcium within its mineral structure. Its perfect cleavage in four directions is another identifying characteristic of fluorite and is the only common mineral that displays this. It is typically displayed as purple, green, and yellow in its isometric structure but can also be found in golden, black, blue, red, and colorless varieties, each color holding its own metaphysical properties. Fluorite is found within hydrothermal veins often associated with metallic ores and in fractures of limestone and often found associated with quartz, calcite, and barite. Fluorite is used in a wide variety of chemical, optical, metallurgical, and ceramic processes. Fluorite (in its different grades) is used to make ceramic glazes, hydrofluoric acid, non-stick cooking surfaces (Teflon), optical lenses, and serves as a flux to remove impurities from metals in the iron and steel industry. Specimens with exceptional diaphaneity and color go on to being cut into gems and beautiful specimens are held high in regard in mineral collections.