: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rare earth elements are recovered as a by-product from Bayan Obo’s polymetallic ore, which also contains fluorite, niobium, scandium and thorium. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026 Graphite, fluorite, silica, nickel, chromium and manganese quietly underpin everything from robotics and machinery to electronics and chemical processing. Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026 In addition to sharpening intellect, fluorite helps Aquarius tap into their intuition. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 21 Jan. 2025 Along with tiger’s eye, as seen above, talkative’s sliced, gemstone Crest earrings are available in a veritable rainbow of gems and hardstones including lapis lazuli, fluorite, moss agate, mother of pearl, green onyx, amethyst and aquamarine. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fluorite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluorite. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on fluorite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!