/oss/taxonomy/term/902/all en /oss/article/quirky-science-science-science-everywhere/what-element-derives-its-name-latin-word-flow <p>Fluere is the Latin word for flow and provides the root for the name of the element we know as fluorine. One of the common naturally occurring sources of fluorine is the mineral calcium fluoride, also known as fluorspar. It melts when heated and flows readily, hence the relation to “fluere.” In its elemental form, fluorine is a gas and is highly reactive and dangerous, but it does not occur in nature in this form. However, it can be found widely as the fluoride ion, a stable species. It is in this form that it is found in the human body and is in fact an essential nutrient.</p> Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:00:09 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 1886 at /oss