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

Examples of fluorite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some have looked to its verdant side—with an emerald-hued box adorned in marquetry; a flash of fluorite in a scarab pendant; the stromanthe-like swirls of an acetate comb; and the atmospheric effects of light itself, captured in a balconette bra. Rosie Jarman, ELLE, 1 May 2023 The fireplace is clad in stone native to the area: bluestone, along with fluorite (green) and quartz crystals (white/clear/brown) from the New Hampshire mine of the homeowner’s brother. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2023 Dazzling gems abound across the entire institution, with massive chunks of quartz, fluorite, and lazurite found across the Colburn Hall of Minerals—but the most fascinating rocks on display belong to a particularly fearsome specimen. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023 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 Several minerals redirect light from the sun, including calcite, agate and fluorite. Nola Taylor Redd, Smithsonian, 1 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluorite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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