What is the difference between quartz sand and silica sand

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Silica sand and quartz sand are not the same substance. Although both are primarily composed of silica, quartz sand is a crystalline material derived from quartz stone. In contrast, silica sand is made from sand and gravel containing silica, which leads to differences in their appearance and manufacturing processes.

Quartz Sand

In China, the content of quartz sand is higher than that of silica sand, making it the main raw material for glass production. Silica sand can be categorized into ordinary silica sand, refined silica sand, and high-purity silica sand. Ordinary silica sand has a silica content between 90% and 99%, with iron oxide content below 0.02%.

Refined silica sand contains between 99% and 99.5% silica, with iron oxide below 0.015%. High-purity silica sand has between 99.5% and 99.9% silica, and iron oxide below 0.001%. Silica sand with higher purity appears milky white, while higher impurity levels result in brownish-red and light brown colors.

Silica Sand

The melting point of silica sand is around 1710°C, and its particle size ranges from 0.02mm to 3.35mm. It is insoluble in all acids except hydrofluoric acid, exhibiting excellent chemical stability, electrical insulation, and wear resistance. Major glass-consuming countries, like Russia, the United States, and Belgium, primarily use natural silica sand as a siliceous raw material. However, the quality of natural silica sand in China is generally lower, leading to the use of silica sand crushed and processed from quartz sandstone as the raw material for glass production.

What Is Silica Sand & How Is It Different From Regular Sand?

In this post, we will answer three common questions about silica sand:

• What is silica sand?
• How is silica sand different from regular sand?
• What is silica sand used for?

If you want to jump right into its uses, here are seven common applications for silica sand:

1. Golf courses & sports fields
2. Industrial abrasives
3. Filtration media
4. Glassmaking
5. Paints & coatings
6. Ceramics
7. Construction materials

Let’s get started!

What Is Silica Sand?

Silica sand, also known as quartz sand, white sand, or industrial sand, is primarily composed of silica and oxygen, specifically silicon dioxide (SiO2).

The most common form of SiO2 is quartz, a chemically inert and relatively hard mineral. Quartz grades at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it ideal for use as filtration media and abrasive blasting sands.

Although quartz is often white or colorless, it can appear in various shades due to the minerals and rock detritus within each sand deposit.

To qualify as silica sand, the material must contain at least 95% SiO2 and less than 0.6% iron oxide. If it does not meet these criteria, it is generally considered "regular" sand.

How Silica Sand Is Different From Regular Sand

Regular sand, also referred to as feldspathic sand, brown sand, or construction sand, contains silica as well, but typically in amounts less than 95%. For example, common brown sand used in concrete applications may contain up to 80% SiO2, along with various amounts of iron, carbonate, potassium, and other trace elements/micro-minerals.

These impurities make regular sand more chemically reactive and often darker in color compared to silica sand. Non-silica sands can appear in various colors, including white, pink, green, and black, reflecting the geological makeup and geographic location of the sand deposit.

What Is Silica Sand Used For?

Silica sand has numerous applications across industrial and commercial sectors, ranging from golf courses to glassmaking. The usage of silica sand depends on its physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics such as grain size, shape, color, structure, distribution, refractoriness, strength, and stability, which can vary based on the processing methods post-mining.

1. Golf Courses & Sports Fields

Silica sand is utilized for bunkers and greens on golf courses and for both natural and synthetic sports fields. Sand traps are often filled with silica sand, which also aids in maintaining greens and fairways by promoting drainage and supporting plant growth. In turf fields, it acts as the structural component of an uncontaminated filtration media.

2. Industrial Abrasives

Silica sand serves as a mineral abrasive for industrial blasting. While blasting with silica sand can create hazardous dust, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines and dust control techniques can help minimize exposure.

3. Water Filtration

One of the most common uses for silica sand is in water filtration, whether processing well water or filtering tap water. Due to its uniform shape and size, silica sand effectively removes contaminants from water and remains stable against acidic chemicals.

4. Glassmaking

Silica sand is a key ingredient in glass manufacturing, being the primary component in various glass products, from windows to beer bottles. The purity of silica sand affects the color, strength, and clarity of the finished product.

5. Paints & Coatings

In paints and coatings, silica sand is used to enhance appearance and durability. It improves tint reduction and resistance to dirt, while its oil absorption properties ensure a robust coating that is rich in pigment and durable against wear.

6. Ceramics & Refractories

Silica is vital for crafting and glazing ceramics, including tableware and tiles. It forms the structural backbone of ceramic products, aiding in expansion regulation and enhancing durability.

7. Construction Materials

Silica sand, often referred to as industrial sand in this context, serves as the main component in various construction materials such as flooring, mortars, cement, roofing shingles, and asphalt. Its resistance to weather, wear, and corrosion makes it suitable for use as a caulk or sealant.

Conclusion

Silica sand has a wide range of applications across various industries. For more information or if you wish to order silica sand, please contact us to request a quote.

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