Formerly called fluorspar, fluorite has limited use as a gemstone because it is relatively soft and therefore easily scratched. However, the wide range of colors (including yellow, blue. pink, purple, and green), the frequent incidence of more than one color in a single specimen, and zoning or patchy distribution of color, make it an interesting stone. Despite its fragility" and perfect octahedral cleavage, stones may be faceted (usually for collectors), and can be polished very brightly. Cabochons of fluorite have been capped with rock crystal to protect them from scratching.

Localities include Canada, the USA (where some of the latest crystals are found), South Africa. Thailand. Peru. Mexico. China, Poland, Hungary; Czechoslovakia, Norway. England and Germany. Pink octa hedral crystals are found in Switzerland. A purple and yellow banded variety called Blue John occurs in Derbyshire (England).

The .Ancient Egyptians used fluorite in statues and to carve scarabs, and the Chinese have used it in carvings for more Rhan 300 years. In the 18th century, fluorite was powdered in water to relieve the symptoms associated with kidney disease.