Fluorite and Flouride, while they have similar properties, differ in significant ways.
Most notably, one is an ingredient of the other.
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in fluorite, a crystallized form of fluorine that is often very bright and colorful.
In this article, we take the time to learn about fluorite and fluoride and their individual properties and uses.
Fluorite vs Fluoride (EXPLAINED)
Fluorite and Its Properties
Fluorite is colorful and shines in both natural and ultraviolet light.
Because of its beauty, it is often used in jewelry and is sought out by stone collectors.
Fluorite doesn’t exist without fluoride.
Fluorite is the crystal form of fluorine and is often identified by its attractive green and purple colors.
When it is held under ultraviolet light, the colors become fluorescent, a term which incidentally is based on the mineral’s name.
In industrial settings, fluorite is used as a smelting flux, meaning that it aids in removing impurities from enamels and glasses.
Fluorite is in high demand in aesthetic circles among stone lovers because of its deep, rich colors.
A favorite among collectors is the purple shade that looks very similar to amethyst.
Fluorite also shows up in shades of blue, yellow, and green.
There are varieties of fluorite that are pink, rose, black, brown, and even colorless.
While most fluorite crystals are a solid color, many can be found with bands of multiple colors or zones with crystals containing several different colors.
The octahedral cleavage of the fluorite makes it easy to cut into an attractive shape that is desirable for jewelry and stone collections.
These are extremely popular for their colors, shape, clarity, and reasonable cost.
Serious mineral collectors have at least one fluorite specimen.
It is the second most popular collector’s mineral, with only quartz coming in ahead.
Fluorite also has practical uses. In addition to being used as a smelting flux aiding in the removal of impurities, it is used as a fluorine source.
It is broken down to create hydrofluoric acid used in many common products, such as gasoline, aluminum, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and more.
It is also used to add fluoride to water.
Fluoride and Its Properties
When speaking about fluorite and fluoride, fluoride is the one that most people seem to be familiar with.
However, many don’t realize that fluoride is a natural mineral that is found naturally in both freshwater and seawater.
Fluoride is a chemical ion of both fluorine (a gas) and fluorite (a crystalized form of fluorine).
Because fluoride is an ionic mineral, the human body can easily absorb it.
Fluorite cannot exist without fluoride.
Fluoride on its own looks like grains of salt and sodium fluoride is most often used for its health benefits in drinking water and dental treatment.
Fluorine, and consequently fluoride, are common in areas with geothermal or volcanic activity.
Hot springs are a common place to find fluorine.
The gaseous form of fluorine can be found in granite or limestone.
While calcium fluoride is often found in natural water, sodium fluoride is best extracted in a laboratory and appropriately synthesized for products such as mouthwash and toothpaste.
It binds with other important compounds, making it perfect to use in drinking water and dental products to strengthen teeth and protect dental health.
When remembering the difference between fluoride and fluorite, it is easiest to remember that one is an ingredient of the other.
Fluorite is the solid, crystalized form of fluorine, and when broken down, fluoride is a mineral extracted from it.
Fluoride in its solid state looks like grains of salt while fluorite looks like a stone or crystal.
Among spiritual stone collectors, fluorite is believed to have healing properties.
Some believe that the stone boosts cellular healing and strengthens the teeth and bones.
They believe that it clears the mind for making tough decisions while improving emotional stability.
These collectors believe that fluorite helps to declutter the surroundings of negative energy and bring positivity to the environment.
It is believed to bring spiritual balance, improve mental health, and aid in peaceful meditation.
Types of Fluorite Crystals
Clear Fluorite – This stone doesn’t have the colors that gemstone collectors who search for beauty want, but serious collectors know that it is a desirable possession nonetheless.
Spiritual stone collectors believe that it brings clarity to the mind, cutting out negative feelings and allowing the mind to gravitate toward simplicity.
Blue Fluorite – Blue fluorite can be found in different hues, but many have an almost soft aqua color.
Sometimes mixed with clear or other colors, spiritual collectors believe it promotes rational thinking and allows the person to speak with clarity and enhances communication.
Green Fluorite – Green fluorite is bright and exciting. While all fluorite glows fluorescent in ultraviolet light, there is something about the green that makes it stand out above the rest.
Spiritual collectors believe that it elevates your mindset and helps you think outside of the usual avenues.
Purple Fluorite – Purple fluorite is probably the most sought-after color of the stone. Its various hues with the light hitting it just right make collectors clamor to get their hands on it.
Spiritual collectors believe that purple fluorite represents peace and mental protection. It also allows for clarity and softening the surrounding energy.
Yellow Fluorite – The yellow fluorite is soft and warm, and spiritual collectors believe that it is excellent for group energy balance.
They believe that it allows people to work together harmoniously and make clear, positive decisions.
Rainbow Fluorite – Rainbow fluorite occurs when many layers fuse together. Spiritual collectors credit rainbow fluorite with positive thinking, grounding intuition, and elevated spirituality.
Fluorite vs Fluoride: They Work Together
While fluorite and fluoride each have their own individual properties, they are both important and useful in their own ways.
While the fluorite stones are sought out for their beauty and function, fluoride is used as a functional ingredient in many industrial and household items.
Both are useful and ultimately do not exist without each other.
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