Calcium fluoride is the inorganic compound of the elements calcium and fluorine with the formula CaF2. It is a white solid that is practically insoluble in water. It occurs as the mineral fluorite (also called fluorspar), which is often deeply coloured owing to impurities and it is used in various applications, including optical components, thermal imaging systems, and as a source of fluorine.
Calcium fluoride (CaF₂) has diverse applications across multiple industries due to its unique properties. It’s commonly used in the production of optical components like lenses and windows, particularly for ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) applications, due to its transparency in those ranges. It’s also a key ingredient in the production of hydrogen fluoride, which is used in various chemical processes, including glass etching and the creation of other fluorides. Furthermore, calcium fluoride is used as a flux in aluminum and steelmaking, as well as in the manufacturing of certain glasses and ceramics.