FLORITE AND CALCITE

Fluorite (CaF2) and calcite (CaCO3) from Hardin County, IL. Fluorite is used in the production of hydrofluoric acid and as a flux in the smelting of metals. Crystals are cubic and cleave in four directions forming an octahedral shape. Calcite crystallizes in the hexagonal system, but can form a variety of shapes. Cleavage is in three directions forming rhombohedrons. It is used in the production of steel, cement and glass.