|
||
|
Fluorite, also called fluor, fluorspar is a mineral often fluorescent in ultraviolet light. Massive fluorite may resemble calcite, but it is heavier and does not effervesce when treated with hydrochloric acid. It is distinguished from gypsum and quartz by its hardness. Fluorite deposits form under a wide variety of conditions: as veins produced by hydrothermal alteration, as beds and cavities in sedimentary rocks, in hot spring deposits, and in pegmatites. Fluorite, calcium fluoride is a major industrial mineral used as a flux in steel making as well as in the preparation of hydrofluoric acid and in the ceramics industry. Such as in glasses and enamels. It is used in hydrofluoric acid, enamel and glass industries, refrigerating fluids, portland cement, insecticides and to retard tooth decay. Fluorite is also used as a source of fluorine for hydrofluoric acid and fluorinated water. |
