What Is Silica Sand Used For?

One of the most common types of sand available in the natural resources of the earth is silica sand. There are many silica sand suppliers throughout the world who collect quartz crystals from the beaches, sand dunes, etc., and process into different types and grades of silica sand that is utilized in various industries for creating moulds, making glass, castings, and many more. Quartz crystal is the most common mineral available on the globe and silica sand is made up of broken down quartz crystals. Another name of silica is silicon dioxide, which includes quartz as a specific latticed structure. Therefore, silica sand is the form of quartz which has been broken down into tiny granules. Most of the time, these tiny granules are found in non-tropical regions of the world which are collected and processed into the silica sand of different sizes and different grades.

There are a number of different applications of silica sand in the commercial and industrial sectors. Silica sand is used for different purposes, depends on physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics such as grain size, shape, structure, color, and distribution, as well as refractoriness, strength, and stability. These properties can differ depending on how the mineral is processed after it is mined.

Here are some common uses for silica sand:

• Used as industrial abrasives:

Silica sand is widely used as a mineral abrasive for industrial blasting. Though blasting with silica sand can create dangerous dust, the exposure can be easily avoided by the recommended PPE (personal protective equipment) guidelines or by coating the sand with solutions designed to control dust.

• Used in golf courses and sports fields:

Silica sand is utilized for bunkers and greens on golf courses, as well as for natural and synthetic sports fields. Silica sand is also used to maintain greens and fairways owing to its ability to support drainage and natural plant growth. For turf fields, silica sand is utilized as the main structural component of an uncontaminated filtration media.

• Used for water filtration:

Silica sand is commonly used in water filtration, whether processing well water or filtering your tap water. Due to its uniform shape and size, silica sand is used to make an effective filtration bed that consistently removes contaminants from water. In addition to this, silica sand does not degrade when exposed to acidic chemicals.

• Used in glassmaking:

Silica sand is an important ingredient in the production of glassmaking. In fact, silica sand is the primary component in various standard glass products. The purity of the silica sand used plays a vital role in determining the strength, color, and clarity of the final product.

• Used in paints & coatings:

Silica sand is used in paints and coatings to improve the durability and overall look of the paint. Silica fillers improve paint’s dirt resistance and tint reduction. As silica sand has oil-absorption properties, it makes a durable coating that is rich in pigment and resistant to wear and tear.

• Used in ceramics & refractories:

Silica is an important component in the construction and glazing of all types of ceramics including tableware, wall tiles, floor tiles, and more. Silica serves as the structural backbone of ceramic products helping to regulate shrinkage and expansion, ensuring ceramics dry properly, and increasing the overall durability of the ceramic items.

• Used in construction materials:

Silica sand is the main structural component in many construction products. Flooring, cement, mortars, roofing shingles, asphalt, and other industrial materials all use silica sand to improve structural integrity and durability. As silica sand is resistant to weather, wear, and corrosion, it is often used as a sealant or caulk.

Silica sand has a wide range of uses in everyday life across multiple industries. To buy silica sand of supreme quality, one can rely on a reliable silica sand supplier in the market. Silica sand suppliers in Saudi Arabia are most popular for supplying the finest quality product to their clients. One can also find top silica sand exporters in Saudi Arabia, instrumental in meeting the requirements of silica sand of many countries across the world.