KRYOLITE Meaning and
Definition
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Kryolite is a mineral that is naturally found in significant quantities in Greenland. It is a colorless or white crystal-like substance, which is also known by its chemical name, sodium hexafluoroaluminate. Its chemical formula is Na3AlF6.
Kryolite has a unique crystal structure, with aluminum and fluoride ions forming a framework, while the sodium ions occupy the spaces within the structure. Its hardness is rated at about 3.5 on the Mohs scale. It is soluble in water and possesses a relatively low melting point of around 560 degrees Celsius.
The primary use of kryolite is in the production of aluminum metal. This mineral is utilized as a flux, a substance that helps lower the melting point of compounds within the aluminum ore, known as alumina. By adding kryolite during the smelting process, it reduces the energy required to produce aluminum metal, making the process more economically feasible.
In addition to its industrial uses, kryolite has found applications in the production of ceramics and glass. It can serve as a stabilizer for certain glazes and enamels, providing them with increased durability and a smooth finish.
While kryolite is naturally occurring in Greenland, its supply has significantly declined over the years. Consequently, synthetic alternatives are often used in industrial applications where kryolite was previously preferred.
Common Misspellings for KRYOLITE
- jryolite
- mryolite
- lryolite
- oryolite
- iryolite
- keyolite
- kdyolite
- kfyolite
- ktyolite
- k5yolite
- k4yolite
- krtolite
- krgolite
- krholite
- kruolite
- kr7olite
- kr6olite
- kryilite
- kryklite
Etymology of KRYOLITE
The word "kryolite" has its roots in two different languages. "Kryo-" comes from the Greek word "kryos", meaning "icy" or "frost", while "-lite" is a suffix that is commonly used in mineral names. Together, they form "kryolite", which refers to a mineral known for its icy appearance.
