Calcium fluoride

Description

White powder primarily obtained from the mineral Fluorite. Calcium fluoride may be made synthetically by the reaction of Soda lime with anhydrous Hydrogen fluoride. It is used in the production of abrasives, ceramic glazes, enamels, glass, soldering agents, welding agents, pyrotechnics, and for metal surface treatment.

Synonyms and Related Terms

calcium difluoride; fluorspar; fluorite; Derbyshire spar

Risks

Contact may cause irritation. Ingestion may be harmful. Heating may release fluorine gas.

ThermoFisher: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

Cubic crystals. Luminous when heated. Autofluorescent.

Insoluble in water. Dissolved by concentrated mineral acids with evolution of HF.

Composition	CaF2
CAS	7789-75-5
Mohs Hardness	4.0
Melting Point	1403 C
Density	3.18 g/ml
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 78.07
Refractive Index	1.433-1.435
Boiling Point	2500 C

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 372

• The Merck Index, Susan Budavari (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 12th Edition, 1996 Comment: entry 1709

• The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Francis Turner (ed.), Reinhold Publishing Corp., New York City, 3rd edition, 1942

• Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998