Silica Sand Minerals
Name and composition - Silica sand normally contains 85-99.2% silica (SiO2) but the impurities are the prime factor for its gradation for use in various industries. According to suitability for industrial use, its prevailing names are building sand, paving sand, moulding or foundry sand, refractory or furnace sand, engine sand, filter sand, glass sand, glass and polished sand etc.
Physical Properties - Silica sand consists largely of unconsolidated quartz grains of size varying normally from 0.06 to 2 mm.
Mode of Occurrence - Silica sand occurs as pocket deposits (along shear zones and faults) and also as residual product of weathering of sandstone and quartzites.
Uses - Silica sand is used in manufacturing of all types of glass wares, ceramics and ceramic glazes, silicon carbide, chemicals etc. It is also used as a natural abrasive. Silica sand is used as a fire and sound proofing material, as filler in acid proof cements, putty, paints, exposy-resins and polyesters; in horticulture, as a filtration medium and for ornamental purpose. It is also used to maintain or increase the permeability of oil, and gas bearing formations. Silica flour is used as a filler in plastic and rubber products.
Mineral based Industries – Glass and foundry industries.
Industrial Prospects – Glass industries.
Physical Properties
Hardness
Refractive index
Melting point
Boiling point
Density
Refractive index
Melting point
Boiling point
Density
3 to 3.5
1.544
1,713 °C
2,950 °C
2.648 g/cm3
1.544
1,713 °C
2,950 °C
2.648 g/cm3
Chemical Properties
SiO2
Al2O3
Fe2O3
P2O5
Al2O3
Fe2O3
P2O5
98% min.
1.5% max.
0.5% max.
0.1% max.
1.5% max.
0.5% max.
0.1% max.
Indian Minerals
Metallic Minerals
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Limestone and Dolomite
Limestone
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Lignite
Glass and Ceramic Minerals
Ball Clay
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Kyanite
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Quartzite
Silica Sand
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Serpentinite
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