Regular sand will always have some silica in it. But, it is only in small proportions. Typical brown sand used in concrete applications, for example, can contain up to 80% SiO2, as well as various levels of iron, carbonate, potassium, and other trace elements/minerals.
When compared to silica sand, these ‘impurities’ make normal sand more chemically reactive and often darker in color. Non-silica sands (normal sands) come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, green, and black, depending on the geological makeup and location of the sand deposit.
Strong increases in construction investment and manufacturing output may stimulate the production of glass items used in buildings, automobiles, furniture, and appliances, which will benefit suppliers.
Uses
From golf courses to glassmaking, silica sand has a wide range of applications in the industrial and commercial sectors. It is a widely available commercial and consumer product in North America.
Physical, chemical, and mechanical qualities such as grain size, shape, color, structure, and distribution, as well as refractoriness, strength, and stability, all influence silica sand’s production. These qualities can vary depending on the handling of the material after mining.
Sports Fields & Golf Courses
Golf course bunkers and greens, as well as natural and synthetic sports fields all employ silica sand. When you’re playing, the sand traps you get stuck in are full of silica sand. Because of its ability to encourage drainage and natural plant development, we utilize them to maintain greens and fairways. It is the principal structural component of an uncontaminated filtration media for turf fields.
Industrial Abrasives
Silica sand is a mineral abrasive, frequently used in industrial blasting. Although blasting with silica 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.
Water Filtration
One of the most common is water filtration, whether processing well water or filtering your tap water. Because of its uniform shape and size, it is an effective filtration bed that consistently removes contaminants from water. Also, it does not degrade when exposed to acidic chemicals.
Glassmaking
Silica sand is an important component in glassmaking; in fact, silica is the fundamental component in most common glass products, from windows to beer bottles. The color, strength, and clarity of the finished product are all affected by the quality.
Paints & Coatings
Paints and varnishes use it to improve their overall appearance and durability. Silica fillers improve paint tint reduction and dirt resistance, and the oil-absorption capabilities of it create a long-lasting, pigment-rich, and wear-resistant coating.
Ceramics & Refractories
All sorts of ceramics, including dinnerware, floor tiles, wall tiles, and more, use silica in their manufacturing and glazing. Silica is the structural backbone of ceramic products, assisting in the regulation of expansion and shrinkage, as well as ensuring that ceramics dry properly and boosting overall longevity.
Construction Materials
When used for this purpose, silica sand (also known as industrial sand) is the major structural component in a variety of construction products. Silica is used to improve the durability and structural integrity of flooring, mortars, cement, roofing shingles, asphalt, and other industrial materials. Because silica is weather, wear, and corrosion resistant, it is frequently used as a caulk or sealer.
