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Cryolite
A species of Minerals, Also known as Thonerde mit Flussäure Scientific name : Cryolite RockType : Minerals
Cryolite, A species of Minerals
Also known as:
Thonerde mit Flussäure
Scientific name: Cryolite
RockType: Minerals
Content
Description General Info
![Cryolite (Cryolite)](/wiki-image/1080/153437380274028572.jpeg)
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Description
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Cryolite (Na3AlF6, sodium hexafluoroaluminate) is an uncommon mineral identified with the once-large deposit at Ivittuut on the west coast of Greenland, depleted by 1987.
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Physical Properties
Colors
Colourless, white, brown, grey, black, colourless in transmitted light
Refractive Index
1.338-1.339
Birefringence
0.001
Optical Character
Biaxial positive
Chemical Properties
Formula
Na2NaAlF6
Elements listed
Al, F, Na
Common Impurities
Fe,Ca
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General Info
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How to Select
Preferred for its snowy-like appearance, individual crystals of the cryolite are considered rare. The Ivituut variety now has extra value, as the mine from which it was sourced in Greenland shut down in 1987. Authentic material from this mine is now scarce. Buyers can identify mineral samples of cryolite by its blue-white fluorescence, salty taste, and solubility when exposed to water.
Usage
Molten cryolite is used as a solvent for aluminium oxide (Al2O3) in the Hall–Héroult process, used in the refining of aluminium. It decreases the melting point of molten (liquid state) aluminium oxide from 2000 to 2500 °C to 900–1000 °C, and increases its conductivity thus making the extraction of aluminium more economical. Cryolite is used as an insecticide and a pesticide. It is also used to give fireworks a yellow color.
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