Fluorite, also known as fluorspar, is a mineral that comes in a wide range
of colors and has many uses. At CK-Mining, we operate in mines around the world,
where we offer high-quality fluorite specimens for collectors, as well as
large quantities of fluorite for industrial uses.
Description
Fluorite is a mineral composed of calcium fluoride (CaF2). It typically
comes in shades of purple, blue, green, yellow, or colorless, and can also
be multicolored or banded. It has a glassy luster and is often transparent
or translucent.
Fluorite is found in many locations around the world, with notable
deposits in China, Mexico, England, and the United States. It can form as
a result of hot fluids circulating through rocks during the cooling of
magma or lava.
Uses
In the metallurgical industry, it is used as a flux to lower the melting
point of raw materials in steel and aluminum production.
In the chemical industry, it is used to produce hydrofluoric acid, which
is used to make refrigerants, gasoline additives, and electronics.
In the ceramics industry, it is used as a flux and a source of fluoride
in the production of glass, enamels, and ceramics.
In the optical industry, it is used to make lenses, prisms, and windows
for telescopes and cameras.
As a decorative stone, it is used in lapidary work and as a semiprecious
gemstone.
Properties
It is fluorescent, which means that it glows when exposed to ultraviolet
light. This fluorescence can be used to identify fluorite and
distinguish it from other minerals.
It is also piezoelectric, which means that it generates an electric
charge when subjected to mechanical stress. This property is used in
microphones, accelerometers, and other sensors.
It is also pyroelectric, which means that it generates an electric
charge when subjected to a change in temperature. This property is used
in heat-sensitive devices.