Cryolite (sodium hexafluoroaluminate, sodium aluminum fluoride), molecular formula Na₃AlF₆, is a fluoride-based inorganic salt most widely recognized as the essential flux in the Hall-Héroult electrolytic aluminum smelting process. Naturally occurring cryolite is extremely rare — virtually all commercial supply is synthetic, produced to consistent purity and particle size specifications for industrial use.
With a melting point of 1000–1025°C and density of 2.95–3.05 g/cm³, synthetic cryolite performs reliably under the high-temperature, high-current conditions of aluminum electrolysis cells. Beyond aluminum smelting, it serves as an opacifier in glass and enamel manufacturing and as a wear-resistance additive in abrasive products.
As a cryolite powder supplier based in China, Shenyang Yftdss Trading Co., Ltd. exports Na₃AlF₆ in both powder and granular form to buyers in non-ferrous metal smelting, manufacturing, and specialty chemicals industries worldwide.
| Product Name | Cryolite, sodium hexafluoraluminate, sodium aluminum fluoride |
| Molecular formula | Na₃AlF₆ |
| Molecular weight | 209.94 g/mol |
| Color | White or White Grey |
| Appearance | Powder or Granular |
| Melting Point | 1000–1025 °C |
| CAS No. | 13775-53-6 |
| EINECS No. | 239-148-8 |
| Density | 2.95~3.05 g/cm³ |
| Package | in 10kg, 25kg, 40kg and 50kg Class II barrels, with PVC plastic bags or 50kg round iron drums marked with 5.1 oxidant inside |
Application
Aluminum Smelting — Electrolytic Flux (Primary Application)
Cryolite is the foundational bath material in the Hall-Héroult process, the global standard for primary aluminum production. It dissolves alumina (Al₂O₃) at operating temperatures, lowering the melting point of the electrolyte bath and enabling efficient electrolytic reduction of aluminum at commercially viable energy levels. Without a reliable cryolite flux supply, aluminum smelter operations cannot be maintained.
Abrasive & Grinding Wheel Manufacturing
In the production of bonded abrasives — grinding wheels, cutting discs, and abrasive segments — cryolite functions as an active filler and wear-resistance additive. It reduces friction heat at the grinding interface, extends wheel life, and improves surface finish quality on workpieces. It is particularly valued in heavy-duty grinding applications on steel, cast iron, and hard alloys.
Glass & Enamel Manufacturing — Opacifier and Whitening Agent
In opalescent glass and vitreous enamel production, cryolite acts as an opacifier — scattering transmitted light to produce a white, milky appearance. It also functions as a whitening agent in enamel coatings applied to steel, cast iron, and aluminum substrates. It is valued for its compatibility with standard glass batch compositions and its contribution to surface smoothness and opacity uniformity.
What is the difference between cryolite powder and granular form?
Powder form offers faster dissolution and more uniform distribution in batch processes — preferred in glass and enamel manufacturing. Granular form is generally preferred in aluminum smelting operations where controlled addition rate and reduced dust generation are priorities. Specify your intended application during inquiry and we will recommend the appropriate form and particle size range.
What is the minimum order quantity?
MOQ varies by destination, packaging format, and specification. We accept both trial orders for product qualification and full container loads for regular supply. Contact us with your target volume and shipping destination for a specific quote.
Is cryolite classified as a hazardous material for shipping?
Yes. Cryolite is classified as a Class 5.1 oxidant under international dangerous goods regulations (IMDG/IATA). Our standard packaging — Class II barrels marked with the 5.1 oxidant designation — complies with transport requirements for both sea and air freight. We provide full dangerous goods documentation including MSDS and packing declaration with each shipment.
What documentation can you provide before order confirmation?
We provide COA (Certificate of Analysis), MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), and product technical data sheets on request prior to order placement. Sample quantities are available for laboratory qualification.
What purity grades are available?
Contact us with your purity requirement and application — we will confirm available grades and provide a COA for review. Aluminum smelting, abrasive, and glass applications each have different purity and particle size tolerances.
Do you supply other fluoride-based or inorganic salt products?
Our inorganic salts range includes Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soda Ash, Sodium Sulfate, and Potassium Chloride, among others. If you are consolidating multiple inorganic chemical purchases, contact us to discuss combined shipment options.
ONLINE INQUIRY
We welcome you to specify your requirements in the enquiry form or other channels. Based on your needs, we will recommend the most suitable products, provide technical assistance, and engage in depth-in discussions, both commercially and technically.
Contact Us
Phone / WeChat :
+86 187 4165 1985
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No.1-26-7, No.73, Xinggong North Street, Tiexi District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China
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