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Where to Find Fluorite: Best Environments & Locations (USA)

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Fluorite is among the Halide group of minerals. However, you can also find it in its crystallized form, and there are only a few other minerals and crystals that can contend with its beauty. It ranges in color from purple, lilac, golden-yellow, blue, and green to pink, champagne, or brown.

If you want to find fluorite in the U.S., some of the best states to search for it are Utah, New Mexico, Kentucky, Arizona, and New York. There are many other states where you can find fluorite. Still, the most important thing is to search for it in quarries, limestone cavities, and ore deposits, among other environments.

Although some states are more prosperous than others when it comes to fluorite, the mineral can be found almost anywhere if you know what and where to look for it. Let’s see exactly where fluorite is typically found, and what are some of the best states to search for it!

Where to Find Fluorite Near Me
Where to Find Fluorite Near Me

If you are interested in checking out the best books about rock and minerals identification you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).

Where to Find Fluorite Near Me (Most Common Environments)

As with many other specimens, to find what you are looking for, you must first understand how it forms. In the case of fluorite, it forms through hydrothermal activity as a crystalizing mineral in felsic igneous rocks.

Fluorite is present in granite pegmatites. It can also occur as a vein deposit formed through hydrothermal activity in limestone.

Fluorite crystals form in cracks when rich hot mineral water travels through and interacts with calcium-rich limestone bedrock. Mines, mine dumps, quarries, pits, gravels, and streams, are all excellent fluorite spots.

Fluorite can be found in various mediums in nature, especially igneous or sedimentary rocks. Let’s take a look at some environments where fluorite is often present!

Mine, Quarries, and Mine Dumps

Among the best environments to find fluorite is in mines, quarries, or mine dumps. Fluorite is usually found in hydrothermal vents at depths of about 75 meters. These fluorite veins are often encountered by miners, especially in mines near mountainous regions.

Granite Pegmatites

Excellent fluorite specimens are often found in granite pegmatites. This igneous rock formation is the perfect conduit for fluorite to form when hydrothermal activity is present. 

Limestone Deposits

Limestone rocks often have numerous vugs and pockets where you may find fluorite crystals. Wherever you have a concentrated limestone area, you have a high chance of finding fluorite, especially if the limestone was subjected to hydrothermal activity in the past. Sandstone is another rock where fluorite may be found in.

TIP: Fluorite can be often found in igneous rocks. Knowing the characteristics of igneous rocks and being able to spot them in nature will change your rock hunting game. Find out more in the article below:
Simple Explanation: 6 Main Characteristics of Igneous Rocks

Where Is Fluorite Found in the U.S.? The Best Locations

Where Is Fluorite Found in the United States
Where Is Fluorite Found in the United States

Even if the environments mentioned above aren’t accessible to you, there are still many areas in the U.S. where you can find fluorite specimens. In general, the western and southern states appear to be the most abundant in this type of mineral.

The best places you can find fluorite specimens, including crystals, in the U.S. include Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey, or Connecticut, among many others.

StateLocations
KentuckyKentucky River, Livingston County, Crittenden County
New YorkAmity, Palmer Hill Mine, Fayetteville
ArizonaNeptune Mine, Oxbow & Silver Butte Mines

Let’s explore some of these fluorite-rich states, and see exactly where you should go to find them!

Utah

Utah is amongst the most abundant states when it comes to fluorite specimens. Here, go to the Salt Lake Area in Tooele County. You can find excellent fluorite minerals at the area mines near the Dugway Mining District or the Dutch Mountain.

In northeastern Utah, head for Grand County. The Many area mines surrounding Miner’s basin are rich in fluorite. Western Utah is where the true actions start, as this is where most fluorite sites are located. 

For example, if you head to Jaub County, you will have endless regions to explore. Here, the area mines near Deep Creek Mountains are filled with fluorite. The general area around Dugway Range is also excellent for finding fluorite specimens.

If you are near Fish Springs, exploring the surrounding mines won’t just reveal fluorite but gold and sphalerite specimens. The northern side of Thomas Range is also excellent for finding fluorite, but so is the general area. 

The area mines around Spor Mountain are also rich in fluorite and fluorite crystals. However, Topaz Dome Quarry is even more worth visiting.

In Millard County, you can find fluorite in the northeastern area of Cover Fort or Dog Valley, or you can head to Sevier County and explore the Henry Mining District, specifically the Antelope Range.

Southern Utah is no stranger to fluorite. Here, in Beaver County, you can find fluorite at the area mines near Indian Peak, or the mines near Lincoln Gulch.

The area mines surrounding the Wah Wah Mountains, or Star Range, are also excellent for finding fluorite. You can also find fluorite in the San Francisco Mountains, the mines on the southern side. In Iron County, explore the northwestern mines in Modena. 

TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Utah, check out this article.

Colorado

Colorado is a fun state to look for fluorite, as there are many colored specimens here. For example, in Chaffee County, you can find white, green, and purple fluorite minerals at the Summit of Mt. Antero, which is a seven-mile hike.

In Denver County, you can find purple fluorite specimens at the exposures about a mile west of Routte 74. Colorado Springs County is another area excellent to explore.

You can find green fluorite specimens in the Sentinel Rock and Specimen Rock regions. Below the road of Eureka Tunnel, the western side of the stream, you can also find fluorite.

TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Colorado, check out this article.

Illinois

The state of Illinois has designated fluorite as its official state mineral since 1965. You can find fluorite in the southern parts of the state. The area mines near Cave-in-Rock are an excellent place to start. 

Blue, yellow, purple, or clear fluorite specimens can be found at the area mines near Rosiclare. Many refer to fluorite here as fluorspar, and they are commonly found in mine dumps, with Hardin and Pope counties being the most concentrated areas of fluorite in the state.

TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Illinois, check out this article.

Indiana

If you are in or near Indiana, there are several places worth exploring to find fluorite. In Central Indiana, you can find fluorite specimens at the area quarries near Elizabethtown.

The area quarries surrounding Bloomington are also worth exploring, and so is the quarry near Norristown. Various other minerals and gemstones are present here, so don’t let only fluorite take your eyes.

In Southern Indiana, you can find fluorite at the area quarries around Coryden, where pink dolomite crystals are also present.

If you want to find fluorite-containing geodes in Indiana, go to Lawrence County, and search the regional streams and gravels. Not all the geodes here contain fluorite, as some have quartz, celestite, limonite, sphalerite, or calcite minerals inside.

TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Indiana, check out this article.

Kentucky

Kentucky is also among the most abundant fluorite states in the U.S. Its western fluorite mine dumps are famous and abundant in fluorite. In Western Kentucky, you can find fluorite at Crider, the northern area where faulted exposures are present.

The area quarries around Princeton are also abundant in fluorite. However, the many old mines near Crittenden County are known for having fluorite in many colors. 

At the Big Four Fault, you can find fluorite just southeast of Sheridan. The area quarries around Birdsville are known for their fluorite and dolomite crystal specimens. The area fluorite mines near Carrsville are also worth exploring.

In Central Kentucky, you can find fluorite at the Caldwell Quarry near Danville. You can also find fluorite-containing geodes in Lincoln County, namely at the countywide outcrops and stream gravels.

The Kentucky River Bend, northeast of Harrodsburg, is also an excellent place to find fluorite, and so are the area mines and prospects around Troy. In Eastern Kentucky, you can find fluorite at Gratz, on the mining dumps just west of Routte 355. 

TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Kentucky, check out this article.

TIP: Even an abundance of real fluorite cannot protect mineral collectors from fake. Find out the main differences between real and fake fluorite in the article below:
Real vs. Fake Fluorite: Focus on These 5 Differences

FAQ About Finding Fluorite Crystals

Still did not find the answer to your questions about finding fluorite? Find frequently asked questions in the section below:

What Rocks Are Fluorite Found In?

You can find fluorite in felsic igneous rocks, especially granitic pegmatites. Fluorite is also present in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, sandstone, and gravel, or you can find it as a component of metamorphic rocks.

What State in the U.S. is the Largest Producer of Fluorite?

Fluorite is no longer mined in the United States due to high excavation costs, and most fluorite is now imported. Before the mines closed, the state of Illinois was the leading producer of fluorite/fluorspar. The state accounted for more than 50% of the total U.S. fluorite production.

Can You Find Fluroite in Your Backyard?

Depending on where you are located, you may find fluorite specimens in your backyard. Fluorite forms through some special conditions, and it is often discovered in granite pegmatites, limestone, sandstone, greisens, and other types of rocks.

BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):

Conclusion

Fluorite is among the most beautiful and versatile color minerals in the world. In its crystal form, it is truly a marvelous item to be displayed in anyone’s collection. If you want to find fluorite, search for it in its most common environments and the states mentioned above!

TIP: Fluorite can be extremely valuable because of these main factors: color, zonality, crystal habit, mineral paragenesis, and clarity. Find out more in the article below:
Fluorite Value: Main Factors & Prices for Different Units