Fluorspar
Fluorspar
Fluorite (also called fluorspar) is the mineral form of calcium fluoride, CaF2. It belongs to the halide minerals. It crystallizes in isometric cubic habit, although octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon.
lndustrially, Fluorspar is used as a flux for smelting, and in the production of certain glasses and enamels. There are three principal types of industrial use for natural Fluorspar, corresponding to different grades of purity; Metallurgical grade Fluorspar (60-85% CaF2), that has been used as a flux to lower the melting point in steel production to aid the removal of impurities, and later in the production of aluminum; Ceramic grade Fluorspar (85-95% CaF2) and Acid grade Fluorspar (97% or more CaF2)