QUARTZ
MINERAL
Qtartz
Quartz is one of the most abundant and varied minerals on Earth, prized for its beauty and utility.
- Quartz is used as a filler and extender in paint and coating formulations. It enhances the durability, consistency, and color of the paint.
- Quartz sand (silica) is a primary raw material for the production of glass. It provides the silica content needed to form the glass structure.
- Quartz is a key ingredient in the production of engineered stone, commonly used for countertops and flooring. It is mixed with resins and pigments to create durable and aesthetically pleasing surfaces.
- Quartz is the primary source of silicon, a critical material in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells for solar panels. High-purity quartz is processed to produce metallurgical-grade silicon, which is further refined for use in solar cells.
- Quartz is used in the production of ferrosilicon, an alloy of iron and silicon. Ferrosilicon is a critical additive in the steelmaking process to improve the strength and quality of steel.
- Quartz is a vital component in ceramic glazes and bodies. It acts as a flux, reducing the melting temperature of the raw materials, and improves the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the final product.
| Chemical Composition | SiO2 | 99.8% (+/- 0.2%) |
|---|---|---|
| Alumina (Al2O3) | Al2O3 | 0 |
| Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) | Fe2O3 | 0.04% (+/-0.005%) |
| Titanium Oxide (TiO2) | TiO2 | 0 |
| Sodium Oxide (Na2O) | Na2O | 0 |
| Potassium Oxide (K2O) | K2O | 0 |
| Loss on Ignition (LOI) | LOI | 0.16% |