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cryolite| Rare granular crystalline mineral (sodium aluminium fluoride), Na3AlF6, used in the electrolytic reduction of bauxite to aluminium. It is chiefly found in Greenland. |
| In the extraction of aluminium from the ore bauxite (impure aluminium oxide), the alumina (pure aluminium oxide) has to be molten for electrolysis to take place. Alumina has a very high melting point (2,047°C/13,717°F), which would require a lot of energy to keep it as a liquid, so the alumina is dissolved in molten cryolite instead. Far less energy is required and a temperature of 950°C/1,750°F can be used. |
| Cryolite also occurs in Colorado at Pike's Peak. |
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