On the role of the ion composition of the aqueous phase in the flotation of fluorite and calcite

Abstract The selectivity of a flotation separation depends partly on the species and concentration of the ions solved in the aqueous phase, because they influence the surface states of the minerals to be separated and thus the adsorption of the flotation reagents. In this contribution, the domains of existence of the compounds forming on fluorite and calcite in dependence on pH are discussed on the basis of thermodynamic calculations. The general statements are verified by means of IR-spectroscopy. From the results, general conclusions are drawn for the adjustment of the flotation conditions of the fluorite-calcite separation with oleoylsarcosine as collector.