We
have a number of different specifications of both Fluorspar.
Specifications can vary. These are typical specifications.
For availability please contact us at
sales@minerals-and-metals.com
Fluorspar
Specification:
CaF2:
95% min; SiO2:
4.5% max; CaCO3:
1% max; S&P: 0.5% max
Size: 200 mesh 80% min
Packing: in bags of about 1MT
About Fluorspar
Fluorspar (also called fluorite) is an isometric mineral
composed of calcium fluoride (CaF2).
It has a relatively low melting point and was used as an
important flux in smelting.
Metallurgical grade fluorspar (‘metspar’) is the lowest of
the three grades of the mineral and is used as a flux to lower the melting
point of raw materials in steel production to aid the removal of impurities. It
is also used in the production of aluminium as aluminium fluoride (AlF3) is a
component of the molten bath in the electrolytic reduction of alumina to the
aluminium metal. Metspar will typically contain a minimum of 80% CaF2.
The intermediate grade of fluorspar is the Ceramic grade,
which is used in the manufacture of opalescent glass, enamels and cooking
utensils. Typical CaF2 content is 80-96%.
Acid grade fluorspar (‘acid spar’) is the highest grade,
containing a minimum of 97% CaF2. It is used to make hydrofluoric acid by
decomposing the fluorspar with sulphuric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is the primary
feedstock for the manufacture of virtually all organic and inorganic
fluorine-containing compounds, including fluoropolymers and perfluorocarbons,
and is also used to etch glass.
Fluorspar is also used instead of glass in various types of
high performance telescopes and camera lens elements.
South Africa,
Russia, Mexico and China
have the largest reserves of fluorspar although it also occurs naturally in
various parts of Western Europe, such as parts of the UK, Germany,
Austria, Switzerland and Norway,
as well as Mexico, Ontario and various parts of the United States.China
now produces a little over half of the world’s fluorspar, while Mexico, Mongolia
and South Africa
produce around 30% between them.
