Cryolite
Cryolite (pronounced: /ˈkraɪ.əˌlaɪt/) is a rare mineral identified by its chemical formula Na3AlF6, which consists of sodium (Na), aluminium (Al), and fluorine (F). It is primarily used in the process of aluminium extraction.
Etymology
The term "Cryolite" originates from the Greek words 'kruos' meaning 'frost', and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'. This is due to its white or colorless appearance, resembling frost or ice.
Properties
Cryolite is a colorless to white mineral that can also appear in a brownish hue due to impurities. It has a low hardness of 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, and a specific gravity of about 2.95 to 3.0. It is transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster and exhibits perfect cleavage.
Occurrence and Uses
Cryolite was first discovered in Greenland, but the deposit has since been depleted. Today, it is synthesized for industrial use. The primary use of cryolite is in the Hall-Héroult process, a major industrial process for smelting aluminium. It lowers the melting point of the ore and increases its conductivity, thus making the extraction process more efficient.
Related Terms
- Fluoride: A compound derived from fluorine, a component of cryolite.
- Ivittuut: A location in Greenland where cryolite was first discovered.
- Bauxite: The primary ore from which aluminium is extracted.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cryolite
- Wikipedia's article - Cryolite
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