A Visual Encyclopedia of the Periodic Table

178

The Halogen Group

Forms

Fluorine

F

9 9 10

State: Gas

Discovery: 1886

This highly reactive element is incredibly

dangerous when pure: just a tiny amount

added to the air can kill a person. A pale

yellow gas, fluorine reacts with brick, glass,

and steel, burning a hole straight through

them. Because it is so dangerous, pure fluorine

is often stored in nickel containers that can resist

its attack. Minerals such as cryolite and fluorite

contain this element. This gas and its less

harmful compounds have a wide variety of uses.

Hydrofluoric acid is a toxic liquid used to etch

patterns on glass, as seen in some glass vases.

9

This precious gemstone

contains 20.7% fluorine.

These cubic

cr ystals are green

due to impurities.

Topaz

Cryolite

Fluorite

Laboratory sample

This soft mineral is

brittle, which means it

breaks easily into lots

of pieces.

This sealed case

contains a mixture of

Topaz fluorine and helium.

means

“fire” in the

ancient Indian

language of

Sanskrit.

178-179_Fluorine.indd 178 12/12/16 5:40 pm