How to Care for Fluorite: Cleavage, Scratches, Sunlight & Storage

Fluorite is beautiful but less forgiving than quartz. With a Mohs hardness around 4 and perfect octahedral cleavage, it can scratch or break more easily than many collectors expect.

Handle by the matrix

Whenever possible, lift a fluorite specimen from a stable base rather than gripping projecting crystals.

Avoid hard contact

Quartz, metal tools and many common materials can scratch fluorite. Give specimens enough room that crystal faces cannot rub against neighboring pieces.

Be careful with sunlight

Some fluorite colors can fade with prolonged strong light exposure. Display away from intense direct sunlight when preservation matters.

Respect cleavage

A sharp impact can split fluorite along cleavage planes even when the crystal looks sturdy.

Explore our fluorite mineral specimens.