Magnesium fluoride

Description

Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) is a white crystalline salt. It is used in the electrolysis of aluminum ore to produce metallic aluminum and also as a reflective coating on various types of optical components. It is a tetragonal, birefringent crystal with the TiO2 type of structure.

Chemical properties

white to light beige powder

Chemical properties

Magnesium Fluoride is a fine white crystalline powder with low chemical reactivity. This relative inertness makes possible some of its uses, eg, stable permanent films to alter light transmission properties of optical and electronic materials.

The Uses of Magnesium fluoride

Suitable for vacuum deposition. Magnesium fluoride occurs in nature as the mineral, sellaite. It is used in
glass and ceramics. Single crystals are used for polarizing prisms and lenses.

The Uses of Magnesium fluoride

In the ceramics and glass industry.Magnesium Fluoride is a durable crystal with low absorption, suitable for high-powered laser, space, and other UV applications. MgF2 is also naturally birefringent, making it an ideal material for use where this property can be exploited, such as retardation plates and polarizing elements, particularly in the wavelength range from 0.13-0.30 µm.

The Uses of Magnesium fluoride

Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) is used to polarize corrective lenses of eyeglasses to reduce the glare of sunlight by selecting the orientation of the light waves passing through the lenses. MgF2 is also used to polarize windows, sunglasses, and similar optical items.

Preparation

Magnesium fluoride is a colorless salt with the rutile structure. It is formed by reaction of magnesium oxide and HF or magnesium carbonate and NH4F·HF. It is also a by product from the manufacture of elements such as beryllium by reduction of the corresponding fluoride by magnesium metal.

Hazard

Strong irritant. TLV: 2.5 mg(F)/m3.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of F-. See also MAGNESIUM and FLUORIDES.