Fluorspar
Calcium fluoride in metallurgical and acid grades — the slag fluidiser of steelmaking and the feedstock for hydrofluoric acid.
Applications
- Slag fluidiser in steelmaking and ladle refining
- Hydrofluoric acid and fluorochemical feedstock
- Aluminium smelting flux
- Glass, enamel and welding flux manufacture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between metallurgical and acid grade?
The dividing line is CaF₂ content. Metallurgical grade, roughly 85–95%, goes into steelmaking slag where some silica is tolerable. Acid grade, above 97% with tightly limited silica and carbonate, feeds hydrofluoric acid production, where impurities consume reagent and contaminate the product.
Why is fluorspar added to steelmaking slag?
It lowers slag viscosity sharply at a small addition, which lets the slag absorb sulphur and phosphorus and separate cleanly from the metal. Very little is needed — over-addition attacks the refractory lining, so the practice is to add the minimum that gives the required fluidity.
How does silica content affect price?
Directly, because silica is the impurity the buyer pays to have removed. Two cargoes at the same nominal CaF₂ can differ materially in value if one carries more SiO₂. Always compare the full assay, not just the headline CaF₂ figure.