Initial language selection is based on your web browser preferences.
**Symbol:** F
**Atomic number:** 9
**International title:** fluorum
**General formula:** F₂
**Relative Atomic Weight:** 18,998
**Information:** Fluorine is a highly reactive, toxic, greenish-yellow gas with an irritating odour. Fluorine, like other halogens, forms two-atom molecules F₂ with a simple bond between them. Fluorine has the highest electronegativity and is therefore a very strong oxidizing agent. The compounds only exist in the form of the fluoride anion F⁻. These are typical non-metal compounds.
**Use:** It is used as a raw material in the chemical industry (i.e. Teflon plastic production). It is also used in the manufacturing of toothpastes.
**Occurrence:** On Earth, fluorine occurs in the form of fluoride (F⁻). The most important fluorine minerals are fluorite CaF₂, cryolite Na₃. AlF₆ and fluoroapatite Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F, Cl). Fluorine is a biogenic element (trace element).