What fluorite is
Fluorite, also called fluorspar, is calcium fluoride. It crystallises in the cubic system, as cubes, octahedra and combinations of the two. Pure fluorite is colourless; impurities and defects make it purple, green, blue, yellow, pink or banded, which is why it is one of the most colourful minerals there is.
Mineralogists use it as a reference: the Mohs scale defines hardness 4 as fluorite. Its perfect cleavage in four directions means it can split into neat octahedra, and also that crystal edges chip easily. Many fluorites glow under ultraviolet light; the word fluorescence itself comes from fluorite.
Fluorite from El Hammam, Morocco
Morocco's best-known fluorite locality is the El Hammam mine on Mount Hammam, in the Meknès area. A 29 × 28 cm El Hammam fluorite is among the specimens illustrated on French Wikipedia's fluorite article. El Hammam pieces typically show cubic crystals, often colour-zoned, sometimes with calcite.
What fluorite costs: price data from October 2026
Asking prices read on 28 October 2026.
| Source | Listings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| eBay, Moroccan fluorite, fixed price | 190 | Median $45, middle half $24 to $106 |
| eBay, pieces under 100 g | 13 | Median $24 |
| eBay, highest listing | $1,640 |
How to judge and care for fluorite
Value comes from colour depth and zoning, transparency, sharp undamaged cubes or octahedra, and contrast with the matrix.
- Fluorite is soft and cleaves easily: protect edges, never knock pieces together.
- It is sensitive to sudden temperature change, so no hot water and no ultrasonic baths.
- Some fluorite colours can fade in strong sunlight; display it out of direct sun.
- Fluorite is not considered hazardous to handle.
Questions collectors ask
Does fluorite glow under UV light?
Many fluorites fluoresce, often blue or violet, and the word fluorescence comes from the mineral. Not every specimen does; it depends on its impurities.
Is fluorite safe to handle?
Yes. Just do not grind it or ingest it.
How much is fluorite worth?
On 28 October 2026, fixed-price eBay listings for Moroccan fluorite had a median asking price of $45, with the middle half between $24 and $106.