Definition:
(Na3AlF6). Synthetic cryolite is a white crystalline powder manufactured
from hydrofluoric acid, sodium carbonate, and aluminium. Synthetic cryolite
is used chiefly as a flux in the electrolytic production of aluminum as it
effectively lowers down the melting point of alumina. It is used in the
glass and enamel industries, in bonded abrasives as a filler, in making
salts of sodium and aluminum and porcelaneous glass and in the manufacture
of insecticides. Cryolite is a relatively safe fruit and vegetable
insecticide. The fluoride ion inhibits many enzymes that contain iron,
calcium, and magnesium.
