What is a Fluorspar?
Fluorite is the mineral form of calcium fluoride, CaF₂. It belongs to the halide minerals. It crystallizes in isometric cubic habit, although octahedral and more complex isometric forms are not uncommon.
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, based on scratch hardness comparison, defines value 4 as fluorite.
Fluorspar Suppliers In South Africa
Nokeng Fluorspar Mine
Address: 25 286133,28.598211, Rust de Winter, 0406, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5 pm
Phone: +27 12 161 0600
Who produces fluorspar in South Africa?
Growth was driven by attempts by South African producers to make up for shortfalls on world markets as a result of China’s reduction in export quotas.
South Africa’s producers are the Vergenoeg Fluorspar Mine, owned by Metorex and Sallies’ Witkop Mine, which is currently mothballed.
What are five uses for fluorspar?
The primary uses are in the metallurgical, ceramics, and chemical industries; however, optical, lapidary, and other uses are also important.
Fluorspar, the name used for fluorite when it is sold as a bulk material or in processed form, is sold in three different grades (acid, ceramic, and metallurgical).
How is fluorspar transported?
Acid grade is shipped routinely in the form of damp filter cake containing 7% to 10% moisture to facilitate handling and to reduce dust.
Most acid-grade imports come from China and South Africa. Fluorspar is usually shipped by ocean freight using bulk carriers of 10,000 to 50,000 t deadweight.
Which method is used to extract fluorspar?
Fluorspar is the second most important mineral in Kenya. It is mined at Kimwarer in the Kerio Valley of the Rift Valley.
The rocks containing the minerals are dug up using the open-cast method and crushed using large grinders. The crushed rock is then mixed with chemicals to separate fluorspar from rock wastes.