36 
CRYOLITE. 
Cryolite consists of a double fluoride of aluminium and 
sodium, represented by the formula NaaAl F 6 . It occurs as a 
secondary mineral in veins. The main source of supply is 
Greenland. It has not been found in commercial quantities 
in Canada. 
Cryolite finds its principal use, in Canada, in the electrolytic 
reduction of aluminium, in which process it acts as an electrolyte. 
It is used to a small extent in the manufacturing of opal glass. 
Amount of cryolite used in the manufacturing industries, 
as reported by the consumers:— 
Location 
No. of firms 
reporting 
consumption 
Domestic 
Imported 
Tons 
Tons 
1 
242 
Ontario 
1 
m 
Prairie Provinces 
Canada (Total) 
2 
— 
24348 
The following imports are reported by the Department 
of Customs:— 
1910-1911 1911-1912 1912-1913 
cwt. $ cwt. $ cwt. $ 
9,618 48,244 7,996 35,639 13,751 57,780 
Cryolite