What is the role of cryolite in the metallurgy of aluminium?

Explanation

The role of cryolite in the metallurgy of aluminium are :
1. Fused alumina `(Al_(2)O_(3))` is a bad conductor of electricity, which turns into a good conductor with the addition of cryolite `(NaAlF_(6))`. Hence, aluminium can be obtained by electrolysis.
2. The melting point of pure aluminium is very high (2323K). However, the addition of cryolite lowers the melting point of the mixture to around 1140K. Hence, electrolysis is carried out at a much lower temperature (1173 K) (which saves power).