What is quartz sand, exactly?

Quartz sand is made up of two major elements: silica and oxygen. It is also known as white sand or industrial sand. Quartz is often white or colorless, however, it can be a range of colors. Each sand deposit’s color is determined by the minerals and rock pieces that make up the resource. The material must contain at least 95% SiO2 and less than 0.6 percent iron oxide to be classified as quartz sand. The sand will be referred to as “common” sand if it does not match this condition.

Differences

What is the distinction between silica sand and ordinary sand? Ordinary sand, also known as feldspathic sand, brown sand, or building sand, has some silica but not more than 95%. Typical brown sand used in concrete applications, for example, may contain up to 80% SiO2, as well as various levels of iron, carbonate, potassium, and other trace metals and minerals.

Ordinary sand is more chemically reactive and often darker in color than quartz sand due to these “impurities.” Non-quartz sands (common sands) come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, green, and black, depending on the geological makeup and location of the sand deposit.

What is quartz sand used for?

Quartz sand is used in a variety of industries and businesses, from golf courses to glass manufacturing. Quartz sand is a commonly utilized commercial and consumer commodity throughout North America.

Building Materials

When utilized for this purpose, quartz sand (also known as industrial sand) is a major structural component of many building products. Silica is used to improve the longevity and structural integrity of flooring, mortar, cement, roofing shingles, asphalt, and other industrial materials. Silica is frequently used as a sealing agent because of its weather, abrasion, and corrosion resistance.

Water Filtration

Water filtration is one of the most prevalent applications for quartz sand, whether it’s for treating well water or filtering tap water. Quartz sand is an excellent filter bed that consistently eliminates pollutants from water due to its constant shape and size. Furthermore, when exposed to acidic chemicals, it does not deteriorate.

Sports Fields

Golf course bunkers and greens, as well as natural and manufactured playing fields, all employ quartz sand. The bunkers you frequently find yourself in are usually filled with quartz sand. Because of its ability to encourage drainage and natural plant development, it is also utilized to maintain greens and fairways. Quartz sand is the principal structural component of uncontaminated filter media used in turf fields.

Industrial Abrasives

Quartz sand is a mineral abrasive often used in industrial sandblasting. Although blasting with quartz sand might produce hazardous dust, it is easy to avoid exposure by following PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) rules and/or treating the sand with dust-controlling treatments.

Glass Manufacturing

Quartz sand is a major component of glass manufacturing production – in fact, silica is a major component of standard glass products from windows. The purity of the quartz sand used plays an important role in determining the color, strength, and clarity of the final product.

Ceramics and Refractories

Silicon dioxide is used in the manufacturing and glazing of a variety of ceramics, including dinnerware, floor tiles, and wall tiles. Silicon dioxide, as the structural backbone of ceramic products, aids in the regulation of expansion and contraction, as well as the correct drying and general durability of ceramics.