Calcium fluoride

Calcium fluoride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CaF2, appearing as colorless crystals or a white powder. It is poorly soluble in water, slightly soluble in inorganic acids, and reacts with heat to produce hydrofluoric acid. In laboratory settings, calcium fluoride is typically prepared by reacting calcium carbonate with hydrofluoric acid or by repeatedly treating fluorite powder with hydrofluoric acid. Naturally occurring calcium fluoride minerals are known as fluorite or fluorspar, often exhibiting gray, yellow, green, purple, or sometimes colorless and transparent appearances. They possess a glassy luster, are brittle, and display significant fluorescence. Extremely pure fluorite is used to produce special lenses. Fluorite is primarily employed as a flux in metal smelting.

The applications of calcium fluoride are extensive and continue to expand with advancements in science and technology. It is mainly used in three major industries: metallurgy, chemical engineering, and building materials, followed by light industry, optics, engraving, and national defense industries. Consequently, based on application requirements, China's fluorite mineral products are categorized into four main series: fluorite lump ore, fluorite concentrate, fluorite powder ore, and optical and engraving-grade fluorite.