Definition and Uses:
Calcium fluoride, the main substance of fluorspar or fluorite, chemical formula CaF2, is a colorless cubic crystal or white powder. Relative density 3.18, melting point 1423 ° C, boiling point about 2500 ° C. Solubility in water is low, 100g of water only 0.0016g dissolves at 18 ° C, but is insoluble in acetone, but can be dissolved in hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and ammonium salt solution, and does not react with dilute It is acidic, but can react with hot concentrated sulfuric acid to form hydrofluoric acid, and can form complexes when dissolved in aluminum and iron salts (Fe3 +) solution.
Naturally occurring CaF 2 is the main source of hydrogen fluoride, a commodity chemical used to produce a wide range of materials. Calcium fluoride in the form of fluoride is of significant commercial importance as a fluoride source. [7] Hydrogen fluoride is liberated from the mineral by the action of concentrated sulfuric acid.