Fluorite vs Halite
| Property | Fluorite | Halite |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | CaF2 | NaCl |
| Crystal System | Cubic (Isometric) | Cubic (Isometric) |
| Mineral Class | 03 Halides | 03 Halides |
| Mohs Hardness | 4.0 | 2.0-2.5 |
| Color | Purple, blue, green, yellow, colorless, pink | Colorless, white, blue, orange, pink |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent | Transparent |
| Cleavage | Perfect octahedral {111} | Perfect cubic {001} |
| Fracture | Conchoidal | Conchoidal |
Key Differences
- ◆ Halite (NaCl) is sodium chloride; fluorite (CaF2) is calcium fluoride — different halide minerals.
- ◆ Halite has cubic cleavage and dissolves readily in water; fluorite has octahedral cleavage and is insoluble.
- ◆ Halite (hardness 2–2.5) is significantly softer than fluorite (hardness 4).
- ◆ Fluorite is famous for its brilliant colors and fluorescence; halite is typically colorless to white.
- ◆ Both crystallise in the cubic system as isometric minerals.