cryolite

[ krahy-uh-lahyt ]

noun

1. a mineral, sodium aluminum fluoride, Na 3 AlF 6 , occurring in white masses, used as a flux in the electrolytic production of aluminum.

cryolite

/ ˈkraɪəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a white or colourless mineral consisting of a fluoride of sodium and aluminium in monoclinic crystalline form: used in the production of aluminium, glass, and enamel. Formula: Na 3 AlF 6

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryolite¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; cryo- + -lite

Example Sentences

A pivotal moment in that championship bout came when Shin’s opponent played “kyrolite,” which is not legal, instead of “kryolite,” an alternate spelling of the mineral cryolite.

From Washington Post

Mr. Patriquin showed us opaque white twists, made from cryolite and used in prosthetic eyes.

From New York Times

But aluminium has a fairly low melting point and its oxide can be dissolved in a substance called cryolite that also has a low melting point, so the amount of heat needed is manageable.

From Economist

It is a trading station for the Esquimaux, and also has a mine, from which large quantities of cryolite are obtained.”

From Project Gutenberg

More than 20 containers were filled with cryolite, a toxic chemical, while others held everything from meat to household goods and cases of wine.

From Reuters