fluorite

Common halide mineral, calcium fluoride (CaF2); the principal fluorine mineral. Fluorite occurs most commonly as a vein mineral and is often associated with lead and silver ores; it also occurs in cavities, sedimentary rocks, pegmatites, and hot-springs areas. It is widespread in China, South Africa, Mongolia, France, Mexico, Russia, and the central U.S. Fluorite is used in the manufacture of steel, aluminum fluoride, artificial cryolite, and aluminum. It is used in glassmaking, in iron and steel enamelware, in the production of hydrofluoric acid, in the refining of lead and antimony, and (as a catalyst) in the manufacture of high-octane fuels. China has the greatest reserves of fluorite in the world and both the output and the export amount are in first place. With the rapid development of fluorocarbon compounds, fluorine polymers and fluorine-containing fine chemicals, fluorite has already become an extremely important resource in the world. The proven reserves of fluorite in China account for one third of the world total and a very favorable raw material advantage has been created for the development of the organ fluorine industry.