fluorite

noun

fluo·​rite ˈflu̇r-ˌīt How to pronounce fluorite (audio)
ˈflȯr-
: a transparent or translucent mineral of different colors that consists of the fluoride of calcium and is used especially as a steelmaking flux and in the making of opalescent and opaque glasses

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Illinois General Assembly named fluorite as the state mineral in 1965. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2022 In a post on JAXA's website, Hayabusa 2 project manager, Yuichi Tsuda, likened the asteroid's strange, multifaceted shape to that of a crystal of the mineral fluorite or an abacus bead. NBC News, 12 Aug. 2021 Pair Succulents with Rainbow Fluorite Pairing delicate succulents with rainbow fluorite will nudge you to go with the flow and may inspire you to declutter and organize your home. Tanya Lichtenstein, Sunset Magazine, 22 May 2020 In a post on JAXA's website, Hayabusa 2 project manager Yuichi Tsuda likened the asteroid's strange, multifaceted shape to that of a crystal of the mineral fluorite or an abacus bead. David Freeman /, NBC News, 26 June 2018 In a post on JAXA's website, Hayabusa 2 project manager Yuichi Tsuda likened the asteroid's strange, multifaceted shape to that of a crystal of the mineral fluorite or an abacus bead. David Freeman /, NBC News, 26 June 2018 Several minerals redirect light from the sun, including calcite, agate and fluorite. Nola Taylor Redd, Smithsonian, 1 Aug. 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fluorite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from New Latin fluor

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluorite was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near fluorite

Cite this Entry

“Fluorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorite. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

fluorite

noun
flu·​o·​rite
ˈflu̇(-ə)r-ˌīt
: a transparent or nearly transparent mineral of different colors that consists of a fluoride of calcium and is used as a flux and in making glass

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