Characteristic

 

Calcium fluoride is the inorganic compound of the elements calcium and fluorine with the formula CaF₂. It is a white insoluble solid. It occurs as the mineral fluorite (also called fluorspar), which is often deeply coloured owing to impurities.

Chemical formula：CaF₂

Molar mass：78.075 g·mol⁻¹

Appearance：White crystalline solid (single crystals are transparent)

Density：3.18 g/cm³

Melting point：1,418 °C (2,584 °F; 1,691 K)

Boiling point：2,533 °C (4,591 °F; 2,806 K)

Solubility in water：0.015 g/L (18 °C)

                     0.016 g/L (20 °C)

Solubility product (Ksp)：3.9 × 10−11 

Solubility：insoluble in acetone;slightly soluble in acid

Magnetic susceptibility (χ)：-28.0·10−6 cm³/mol

Refractive index (nD)：1.4338

Crystal structure：cubic crystal system, cF12

 

Application

 

Calcium fluoride is the commercially important source for fluoride compounds as well as hydrogen fluoride. It is transparent from ultraviolet to infrared region. It is used in spectroscopy, thermal imaging systems and excimer lasers; it is also used in the manufacturing of optical components including windows, prisms and lenses. In addition, it is also used in aluminum-metallurgy, brake lining manufacturing industries, and in tooth enamel.