Tensile Strength is a determinable by yield strength, ultimate tensile strength elongation, and reduction in area. Tests measure the point at which can withstand being stretched before structural failure occurs. The values can differ greatly from the compressive strength of the material (which measures ability to withstand pressure)
Fluorite is known for its beauty and color, but even so, it cannot be classified as a gemstone for it is to soft to be valued as such. Compared to other gems such as Amethyst, Ruby, or Emerald, which are around 7-10 on the mohs scale of hardness, Fluorite is only a 3.4 which knocks it off the official list. Even though it is not highly prized in the gem market it is prized by the chemical and industrial world. Fluorite also goes by Fluorspar which is used as a flux (coming from the Latin word for flow) in metallurgy because of its low melting point. It is often used to remove impurities like sulfur and phosphorus but also improve the fluidity of slag. In the United States it believed that anywhere between 20-60 pounds of fluorspar is used for every ton of metal, and it is often far above the metallurgic standards. In Chemistry it is used as a source of Fluorine(F), hydrofluoric acid(HF), and lastly the creation of metallurgical flux. Usually it has to be 97% CaF2 to be acid grade and the HF that comes from it is used in refrigeration and foam blowing agents, and many common fluorite chemical we all use.
The high clarity, pure, and translucent pieces of Fluorite are sometimes used as lenses for microscopes, telescopes, and cameras. The more colorful pieces, that often reach the richness of actual gems like Saphire, Topaz, or Ruby, are sometimes used for the bright and glossy look in ceramics and opalescent glass-making. For it to be actually useful in durable glazes and glass it should be 85%-96% actual CaF2.
Fluorite has one more notable intriguing feature. The stone is one of the few minerals in the world that is fluorescent, and the feature was actually named after this stone. This where the stone emits light because the electrons get excited by normal light and other levels of radiation and then later release the energy after. It absorbs X-rays and Ultraviolet or even just violet light and then releases it as a longer, lower energy wave length. It is a type of natural luminescence.
Making of a mini-sword from a nail. Its still a work in progress, but this is the first good prototype I’ve made so far. I think it’ll make a good first date accessory…
