CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Grade : 65% Guaranteed
| ZrO2 | 65% Min |
| TiO2 | 0.10% Max |
| Fe2O3 | 0.10% Max |
Zircon is a versatile mineral primarily composed of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and typically occurs as a crystalline form in brown hues. It is commonly found alongside other heavy minerals like rutile, ilmenite, and monazite in sand and gravel deposits, particularly in coastal regions.
Within mineral sands, zircon is a key product alongside titanium minerals such as ilmenite, leucoxene, and rutile, forming the backbone of mineral sand mining operations. Its significance spans various industrial applications due to several notable characteristics.
Zircon has a high hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to abrasion and wear, ideal for applications that require durability. With a melting point exceeding 2,000°C (3,632°F), zircon is well-suited for high-temperature uses, including ceramics, refractories, and foundry casting. Its chemical stability and corrosion resistance in harsh environments further enhance its value.
Additionally, zircon exhibits low thermal expansion, ensuring dimensional stability, which is crucial for refractory linings and precision casting. As an opacifying agent in ceramics, it improves the aesthetic qualities of products by adding whiteness, brightness, and opacity.
Notably, zircon has excellent radiation resistance, making it suitable for use in nuclear reactors and other radiation-intensive environments. Gem-quality zircons, especially those in attractive colors like blue and red, are highly valued in jewelry for their brilliance and clarity. Major zircon deposits are found globally in countries such as Australia, South Africa, India, and Indonesia. While zircon itself is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, responsible mining practices are essential to mitigate the environmental impacts of its extraction and processing.
Uses of Zircon Sand
- Ceramics
- Refractory Materials
- Foundry Casting
- Glass Manufacturing
- Chemical Industry
- Abrasives
- Nuclear Industry
Advantages of Zircon Sand
- High Melting Point
- Chemical Stability
- Dimensional Stability
- Durability
- Opacity Enhancement
- Non-Toxic
- Versatile Applications
Applications
Ceramics:
Zircon is widely used as an opacifier and glaze in ceramics production, enhancing the opacity, strength, and durability of ceramic products such as tiles, tableware, and sanitary ware.
Foundries:
In foundry applications, zircon serves as a molding material for metal casting. Zircon sand is favored for its high refractoriness, low thermal conductivity, and minimal thermal expansion, making it ideal for producing intricate metal castings with exceptional surface finishes and dimensional accuracy.
Refractories:
Zircon is essential in manufacturing specialized refractories that resist heat, corrosion, and abrasion. These materials are critical in industries such as steelmaking, glass manufacturing, and petrochemical processing, where high temperatures and harsh conditions are common.
Chemical Processing:
Zirconium compounds derived from zircon, particularly zirconium dioxide (zirconia), are utilized in various chemical processing applications. Zirconia serves as a catalyst support, adsorbent, and stabilizer in chemical reactions and industrial processes.