Calcium fluoride

Calcium fluoride is the inorganic compound of the elements calcium and fluorine with the formula CaF2.
It is a white insoluble solid. It occurs as the mineral fluorite (also called fluorspar), which is often deeply
coloured owing to impurities.

Applications
Main article: Fluorite

Naturally occurring CaF2 is the principal source of hydrogen fluoride, a commodity chemical
used to produce a wide range of materials. Calcium fluoride in the fluorite state is of significant
commercial importance as a fluoride source.[7] Hydrogen fluoride is liberated from the mineral
by the action of concentrated sulfuric acid:[8]

CaF2 + H2SO4 → CaSO4(solid) + 2 HF

Niche uses

Calcium fluoride is used to manufacture optical components such as windows and lenses, used in
thermal imaging systems, spectroscopy, telescopes, and excimer lasers. It is transparent over a
broad range from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR) frequencies. Its low refractive index reduces
the need for anti-reflection coatings. Its insolubility in water is convenient as well. Doped
calcium fluoride, like natural fluorite, exhibits thermoluminescence and is used in
thermoluminescent dosimeters.

Safety
CaF2 is classified as "not dangerous", although reacting it with sulfuric acid produces toxic
hydrofluoric acid. With regards to inhalation, the NIOSH-recommended concentration of
fluorine-containing dusts is 2.5 mg/m3 in air.[