Fluorspar

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Fluorspar (also called fluorite, chemically calcium fluoride – CaF₂) is a critical industrial mineral with a wide range of uses across strategic industries due to its unique properties like high fluorine content, chemical stability, and low melting point.

Here are the primary industries where fluorspar is used:

 

1. Chemical Industry (largest consumer)

• Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Production: Used to make refrigerants, fluoropolymers (like Teflon), and aluminum fluoride.
• Fluorochemicals: Base for products like blowing agents, solvents, and pharmaceuticals.

 

2. Metallurgical Industry

• Steelmaking: Acts as a flux to lower melting temperature and remove impurities.
• Aluminum Production: Used to manufacture aluminum fluoride, which aids in electrolytic aluminum smelting.

 

3. Ceramics and Glass

• Glass Manufacturing: Improves melt fluidity and reduces viscosity.
• Ceramics and Enamels: Enhances appearance and chemical resistance in tiles, dinnerware, and sanitaryware.

 

4. Cement Industry

• Fluorspar is used as a flux to reduce energy consumption and improve clinker quality.

 

5. Optics and Electronics

• Optical Lenses: High-purity fluorspar is used in specialty optics and lenses due to its low dispersion.
• Lithium Batteries (emerging): Some fluorine derivatives are used in battery electrolytes.

 

6. Environmental and Energy Applications

• Used in uranium processing, and potentially in fluoride-ion batteries and renewable energy tech.

 

Grades of Fluorspar:

• Acid-grade: ≥97% CaF₂ — for chemical use (most valuable)
• Metallurgical-grade: ~60–85% CaF₂ — for steel and aluminum
• Ceramic-grade: Intermediate purity

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