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What Are the Uses of Fluorite & Gypsum?

Also called fluorspar because of its crystalline characteristics, fluorite is a mineral composed of the compound CaF2, or calcium fluoride. Appearing in a wide array of different colors, fluorite is considered one of the most popular and beautiful minerals in the world. Fluorite lends its name to the term fluorescence due to its ability to emit light when held under an ultraviolet light source. Fluorite also exhibits the properties of thermoluminescence. That is, the mineral emits light when heated. Oftentimes taking the shape of a brain or piece of coral, the mineral gypsum is a hydrated form of calcium sulfate, otherwise known as calcium sulfate dihydrate or CaSO4:2H2O. Gypsum was formed in the beds of ancient salt-ridden seas and is a very soft mineral, oftentimes with a silky texture. The two minerals have several uses, both practical and aesthetic.

Construction Materials
- Derived from the Latin word fluo, meaning "to flow," fluorite is an important component in the field of metallurgy. Due to its low melting point, fluorite is ideal in its use as a flux in the processing of steel and aluminum. That is, the fluorite works to remove oxides and prevent oxidation in the metals. Fluorite was also once used in the creation of lenses but has today been replaced mostly by synthetic materials. Due to its soft characteristics and ability to be finely ground and welded into a plastic-like mass when heated, gypsum is also very important to industry. It is the main ingredient in plaster of Paris and also an important component in the creation of cement, distemper and sheet rock. On average, a home contains seven metric tons of gypsum. The mineral is also a component of certain types of fertilizers.
Liquids
- Fluorite is used in the production of fluoridated water, drinking water used in the reduction of tooth decay.
  
  Fluorite is used to create hydrofluoric acid by treating the mineral with sulfuric acid. When these substances are combined and heated, the result is hydrofluoric acid and gypsum. Hydrofluoric acid has many practical applications. It is used in refining oil, etching glass, household rust stain removers, automobile cleaners and in the production of aluminum. Fluorite is also used in the creation of fluoridated water. Water fluoridation is the process by which controlled amounts of fluorine are added to water to both reduce tooth decay and prevent cavities.
Ornaments and Collectables
- Due to its beauty, fluorite is a popular addition to the collection of any rock and mineral collector. The mineral is sometimes polished and carved and sold as a gemstone. It is also used for a variety of carvings and sculptures. It is used in the manufacturing of glass, pottery, fiberglass and enamel. It is also popular in the production of vases and dishware. Gypsum is used as a flux in the creation of earthenware. Due to its porous nature the mineral can be easily dyed and is a suitable material for artistic endeavors such as pottery-making and sculpting. Gypsum can also be smoothed and polished and sold as jewelry or for other purposes.

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