What is Silica Sand? Sources & Uses of Silica Sand
In this post we’re going to answer three common questions about silica sand:
- What is silica sand ?
- Silica Sand Sources ?
- What is silica sand used for?
What is silica sand ?
Silica sand is a type of sand that is made up of silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is a naturally occurring material that is found in many parts of the world. Silica sand is used in a variety of applications, including glassmaking, sandblasting, and fracking.
What is silica sand ?
Silica Sand is actually a granular material. It contains quartz and minute amounts of coal and clay. Sometimes it has minerals in it. People call it quartz sand too. Most importantly it is the industrial sand. Quartz over time turns into Silica sand gradually because of the influence of water and wind.
You have to use it when gradually it breaks into tiny granules. Silica sand or industrial sand is actually a type of high-purity quality Silica Sand product. But it is actually sized controlling the material. It is not like common concrete and asphalt gravels.
Let’s get started !
What Is Silica Sand?
Silica sand is a type of sand that is made up of silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is a naturally occurring material that is found in many parts of the world. Silica sand is used in a variety of applications, including glassmaking, sandblasting, and fracking.
Silica Sand is actually a granular material. It contains quartz and minute amounts of coal and clay. Sometimes it has minerals in it. People call it quartz sand too. Most importantly it is the industrial sand. Quartz over time turns into Silica sand gradually because of the influence of water and wind.
You have to use it when gradually it breaks into tiny granules. Silica sand or industrial sand is actually a type of high-purity quality Silica Sand product. But it is actually sized controlling the material. It is not like common concrete and asphalt gravels.
Sources of Silica Sand ?
The chemical sign of Silica is SiO2. It is actually a group of minerals that is a mixture of Silicon and Oxygen. It is often got in the crystalline state. Because of weathering, plankton fossilization happens, and that results in crystallizing SiO2.
Where is silica sand found: These are found in mines in most regions of the world. It is got in high hardness. Good Silica Sand Crystal depends more on the hardness ratio, silica ratio, and chemical structure of mines. Silica sand is mostly used wet and dry in the industry. The sources of Silica sand have a wide variety. These are yellow, beige, and white in color.
The highest purity of silica sand in the world is found in Jordan, its purity is higher than 96% and more. The Middle East Regional Development Enterprises Co “MEREN” is considered one of the largest companies to export the “Raw Material Of Silica Sand” in the Middle East.
What is Silica Sand Used for ?
You can use Silica Sand in many sectors and that too in a very indescribable way. It is usually used as a raw material in most of the construction industry. It can be used both as dry and wet. Sometimes it is used as filtration sand, molding sand, and in glass production. If you think about industrial and manufacturing applications then deposits of silica-yielding products of at least 95% SiO2 are preferred. Silica has a high melting point. It is hard. SiO2 is used for industrial sand’s strength. In every industrial sector, silica sand is a very important element.
There are a number of different uses for silica sand in the industrial and commercial sectors, from golf courses to glassmaking. Silica sand is a commercial and consumer product that available in southern Jordan.
Followings are the major fields where we see uses of silica sand:
1. Glassmaking
In glassmaking, the primary component is silica sand. Silica sand is used for all types of glass whatever the standard and specialty are. Every glass formulation needs its basic component. Silica sand has clear and strong chemical purity. Glass-making cannot be possible without the help of silica sand. It is the primary determinant of color. Industrial Sand is used for producing flat glass for automotive and building use. In Food, beverages, and tableware container production, it is also used. Silica Sand is needed for the production of fiberglass insulation. It reinforces glass fibers. It is also used in test tubes and other scientific tools.
2. Metal Casting
For the ferrous and nonferrous foundry industry, industrial sand is the most important part. the clay is molded to achieve the external shape. Metal parts are cast into the sand. Core sands can be mechanically recycled to produce new cores or molds. Metal parts need SiO2 for their strength.
3. Metal Production
All those soap and dye productions are made from Silica Sand. The main ingredient of chemicals like Sodium silicate, silicon tetrachloride, and silicon gels is silicon sand. These chemicals are used to produce household and industrial cleaners.
4. Construction
For all those wide varieties of building and construction products, Silica Sand is the primary component for it. Ground Silica works as a functional extender to add durability and anti-corrosion. For epoxy-based compounds, sealants, and caulks it works like magic. In flooring compounds, mortar, cement, stucco, roofing shingles, and asphalt mixtures, whole-grain silica sand is used. It affects the chemical properties of the binding system.
5. Paint and Coating
To improve the appearance and durability of any kind of architectural and industrial paint and coatings, Silica Sand is used. Paint formulators always select micron-sized industrial sands. High-purity silica is able to contribute critical performances in properties like brightness and reflectance, color consistency, and oil absorption. It is also used in architectural paints. Silica fillers are able to improve tint retention, durability, and resistance to dirt, mildew, cracking, and weathering. Low oil absorption always allows increased pigment loading and improves the finish color.
3. Filtration and Water Production
For the filtration of drinking water, the processing of wastewater, and the production of water from wells, Silica Sand is used. Silica gravel is something that is used as packing material in deep water wells. Grain size distributions are also very necessary for efficient filtration bed operations.
9. Oil and Gas Recovery
Silica Sand is known as Frac Sand in the oil industry. Silica’s hardness is important here. The chemical purity in Frac Sand is able to attack in a corrosive environment. Whole grains deposits of Frac sand are able to attack in the corrosive environment. Whole grains deposit of Frac Sand is able to maximize formation cuttings.
Silica sand is a versatile material that has a wide range of uses. By understanding the different types of silica sand and their properties, you can choose the right type of sand for your specific needs.
About Middle East Regional Development Enterprise “MEREN”
“MEREN” is a Jordanian company located in Aqaba , 65km away from Aqaba port with a concession area of 12 square km at Ras Al-Naqab (Al-Humimmah Village).
“MEREN” is a Leading company in extracting silica sand and is considered one of the world’s best-known source for high quality silica sand and quartz, with a minimal negative impact on the environment.
“MEREN CO” is leading the mining of Glassy white and red silica sand of various product specifications up to 99.6% purity and of different particle sizes.
The job is done with solid competence, experience and technical know-how of mining, as processing and development of silica sand in Jordan started since 2007.
Moreover, “MEREN” has a private multi-industry free zone area incorporated with the headquarter in Amman.
Ramming Mass
Silica plate production
Grinding plant
Raw Material
