Quartz

Introduction

Quartz (silica, SiO₂) is the core mineral within the Sibelco group and can be found in a broad number of applications, such as glass, ceramics, filtration, construction and polymers. 

 Sibelco has different capabilities to process quartz: 

• Classifying quartz to obtain materials with specific certain granulation, but not milled nor calcined – the material is called Silica Sand. Products are called Silica Sand.
• Milling, drying and classifying quartz – the material is called Quartz Flour. 
• Calcining quartz (high temperature treatment – the crystal structure changes) – the material is called Cristobalite. If additionally milled it is called Cristobalite flour. 

Quartz can be characterised by:

• Relatively high Mohs hardness of 7
• Low electrical conductivity
• Easy to wet
• High inertness in various media
• Shape (depending on the source, quartz particles can have an angular or more rounded shape)

Note when using quartz: depending on the particle size distribution of the product, it can be labelled (STOT RE 2 or STOT RE 1). For more detailed information, visit  www.safesilica.eu.

Basic properties

Sibelco quartz based grades are characterised by:

• Coarse particles can provide anti-slip properties and texture
• Excellent outdoor durability
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Excellent electrical insulating
• Improved abrasion resistance

Moreover, they offer UV transparency and thus, UV curing compatibility. Its inertness makes quartz suitable for outdoor applications. Due to its high Mohs hardness (7), quartz improves the wear and abrasion resistance of articles. Due to its fairly low refractive index, fine quartz grades become transparent when combined with certain binder systems. Quartz contributes to IR absorption making it a suitable filler for roofing and greenhouse applications. 

Quartz is a low oil absorption material therefore suitable for products with pore and grain filling properties (sealer). With low impact on the viscosity, quartz can be used as a mineral filler in sealers to give them more body.