Fluorspar is the commercial name for the naturally occurring mineral fluorite, composed of calcium and fluorine (CaF2). Fluorine is a non-metallic element that is the lightest of the halogens, making it nearly irreplaceable in its applications. Metallurgical grade (60-96 percent CaF2) and acid grade (+97 percent CaF2) are the two main commercial grades of fluorspar.
Fluorspar of metallurgical quality provides the following applications:
- Steelmaking – used as a flux to reduce melting temperature of metal and improve chemical reactivity to aid in the absorption and removal of sulphur, phosphorus, carbon, and other impurities from the slag.
- Aluminium production – utilised to make aluminium fluoride (AIF3), which is employed as a flux to reduce the temperature in the aluminium manufacturing process.
- Powder
- Briquette