Calcium fluoride, also known as fluorspar, is a mineral primarily used in the steel, glass, and ceramic industries. It is also useful in making lenses and prisms for ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths, and in the manufacture of brake pads. It can cause health problems if inhaled or ingested. Sodium fluoride, often added to drinking water and toothpaste, is a different substance.
Not to be confused with sodium fluoride, which is the most commonly used fluoride in toothpastes, calcium fluoride is a mineral with the chemical formula CaF2. Calcium fluoride occurs as isometric crystals in nature and is also known as fluorspar. While it is sometimes used to add fluoride to drinking water and in some dental applications, it is primarily used in the steel, glass and ceramic industries.
Calcium fluoride is useful in making lenses and prisms in the application of ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths. Since it is a hard and stable material, durable and resistant products are obtained. In another use, synthetic calcium fluoride is used in the manufacture of break pads because it helps reduce abrasion caused by high heat and friction.
There are grades of calcium fluoride available for different uses in manufacturing. Calcium fluoride is transformed into crystals through a melting and cooling process. The mineral is so tough that it can withstand temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius (1472 Fahrenheit) making it a much preferred component in manufacturing lenses for laser applications. The manufacturers of these products order calcium fluoride blanks from the manufacturers according to their requirements.
Calcium fluoride is believed to have little acute toxicity, but causes health problems if inhaled or ingested. Combining the mineral with other substances such as mineral acids can result in the production of corrosive and toxic fumes. It can cause respiratory, gastric, nervous system problems. Those who work with calcium fluoride in manufacturing should take precautions to prevent inhalation or ingestion of the mineral.
Sometimes confused with calcium fluoride, sodium fluoride is a naturally occurring cellular salt responsible for maintaining connective tissue and bone health. It is believed to prevent tooth decay. As such, it is often added to drinking water and toothpastes in most Western countries. Some experts, however, are concerned about these uses as well as it is possible for sodium fluoride levels in the body to reach toxic levels.
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