About Cryolite
Sodium aluminum fluoride, typically white or colorless, with a refractive index close to water, giving it an icy appearance. Historically used in aluminum production. It's associated with spiritual insight and clear communication.
Primary Hues
Colorless, White, Snow-White, sometimes Blackish or Reddish, (Historically important in aluminum extraction)
Geological & Scientific Details
Cryolite is classified as a halide mineral mineral which typically crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its chemical formula is Na3AlF6. Common crystal habits include usually massive, coarsely granular. the rare crystals are equant and pseudocubic.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Halide mineral
- Chemical Formula: Na3AlF6
- IMA Symbol: Crl[1]
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Formula Mass (g/mol): 209.9 g mol−1
- Predominant Geological Color: Colorless to white, also brownish, reddish and rarely black
- Crystal Habit: Usually massive, coarsely granular. The rare crystals are equant and pseudocubic
- Twinning: Very common, often repeated or polysynthetic with simultaneous occurrence of several twin laws
- Cleavage: None observed
- Luster: Vitreous to greasy, pearly on {001}
- Streak: White
- Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent