Cryolite

Cryolite is a mineral with the formula Na3AlF6. Its appearance is crystalline or granular aggregates. It crystallizes with the monoclinic system. In the classification of materials from halogens. Sometimes it has a glassy, ​​greasy and shell polish. It is a brittle material and its fracture is irregular. It is found as transparent or semi-transparent. It melts easily and makes the glass colorless, dissolving slightly in HCl and slightly in sulfuric acid. Cryolite is used in the production of sodium salts, in the production of certain types of porcelain and glass, as a melting aid to clean metal surfaces, and as a source for the production of aluminum. In reactions to produce aluminum, the bauxite of this mineral is used as a melting aid in electrolytes.