cryolite Min.
(ˈkraɪəʊlaɪt)
[Named 1799 f. Gr. κρύο-ς frost + -lite.]
A native fluoride of aluminium and sodium, found in white or brownish semi-transparent masses or crystals.
It occurs in an extensive bed in Greenland, and is an important source of the metal aluminium.
| 1801 W. Nicholson Jrnl. Nat. Philos. Ser. i. V. 212 Before the blowpipe chryolite fuses even before ignition. 1888 Times 19 Nov. 10/3 The cryolite mines at Ivigtut. |