Sand

Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely ground rock and mineral particles. It is a popular manufacturing material used across a broad spectrum of construction, glass, and transportation industries.

Manufacturers generally classify Sand materials into several main categories: Chromite, Silica, and Zircon.

Chromite is an iron chromium oxide mineral that belongs to the spinel group. It is the most industrially important mineral, used as an alloying material in stainless and tool steels. Manufacturers classify chromite into two metals categories: chromite and magnesiochromite. Chrome plating and alloying for use in corrosion-resistant superalloys, nichrome, and stainless steel are derived from the Chromium extracted from Chromite. Pigment for glass, glazes, paint, and an oxidizing agent for tanning leather include Chromium. Gemstone is sometimes also a usage of it.

Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring material that is also the principal constituent of sand. We estimate that Sand to comprise more than 10% by mass of the earth’s crust. It is one of the most complex and abundant families of materials that exists as a compound of several minerals and a synthetic product. In nature, you can find it as quartz and in various living organisms. Fused quartz, fumed silica, silica gel, aerogels are the most notable examples of Silica. Silica is an essential element in the food, pharmaceutical, structural materials, microelectronics, and cosmetics industries.

The construction industry consumes an estimated 95% of the Silica produced globally as a structural material. In the form of sand, Silica’s high melting point makes it suitable for use as the main ingredient in sand casting for metallic component manufacturing used in engineering and other applications. Additionally, crystalline silica is a crucial element in hydraulic fracturing to facilitate the extraction of tight oil and shale gas.

The main ingredient in glass manufacturing is Silica, which does not crystallize upon cooling but rather solidifies as glass. Likewise, it is the main ingredient in fumed silica, which serves as a universal thickening agent and an anti-caking agent in powders. Additionally, Silica is used in optical telecommunication fibers as well as in many ceramics to produce earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.

The food and pharmaceutical industries also employ Silica as a common food additive for its properties as a flow agent in powdered food and for its water absorption properties. Colloidal silica is used as a fining agent in many wines, beers, and juices and to aid powder flow during the production of tablets in the pharmaceutical industry. Cosmetics sector employed Silica for its light-diffusing properties and natural absorbency and in toothpaste as an abrasive that removes plaque.

Zircon is a ubiquitous mineral found in the earth’s crust. Main application of it is as an opacifier, for example, in the pharmaceutical and decorative ceramics industries. It is also an essential element in refractories and foundry casting and a growing number of specialty applications such as zirconia and zirconium chemicals, nuclear fuel rods, catalytic fuel converters, and water and air purification systems. Additionally, Zircon is a key mineral that geologists employ in geochronology.