Question

Describe the role played by cryolite in the extraction of aluminium.

Answer 1

Role played by Cryolite in the extraction of Aluminium:

• Formulae for Cryolite ${\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{AlF}}_6$.
• In the process of smelting aluminium known as Hall Heroult's process, cryolite is used as a solvent for aluminium oxide.
• Cryolite plays a very vital role in the refining of aluminium .
• The Cryolite decreases aluminium oxide melting point from $2000°-2500°$to $900°-\text{1}000°C$
• Decreasing of melting point increases the conductivity of the electrolyte which makes the aluminium extraction more cost-effective.