How Do You Find Out More About Fluorine?
Fluorine, the ninth element in the periodic table, isn’t used much in elemental form because it is so reactive, but it is an element that has an interesting history. Fluorine has much to offer students not only of science but also of history, and a little research will shed light on this fascinating element. Read up on Latin roots and history. Look for information on why fluorine is named for the Latin word “fluere,” meaning flow or flux. A flux is a material that facilitates the soldering or brazing of metals. Be sure to look for facts about how hydrofluoric acid contains fluorine and can be used as a flux. Research Henri Moissan, who first recognized fluorine as an element and isolated it in 1886. Read about geology to understand why fluorine is obtained mainly from the mineral fluorite or fluorspar, although other sources include apatite and cryolite. Find out why it is mined in China, Mongolia, Russia, Mexico and South Africa, and study mining and chemical manufacturing techniques
