All you need to know about Silica Sand
What Is Silica Sand?
Silica (SiO2) sand is generally the sand that you can get all over a beach and it also happens to be the most commonly used sand. It is most commonly composed by either crushing sandstone or else it is most commonly taken from naturally occurring points or locations, such as beaches and river beds. The fusion point of the purest form of silica is 1,760 °C (3,200 °F), however, the sands which are used for the extraction of silica exhibit a lower melting point due to impurities. For casting which requires a high melting point, such as steels, at least 98% pure should be used; however, for metals having lower melting points, like cast iron and non-ferrous metals, the sand that has low purity can be used (between 94 and 98% pure).
Silica-sand happens to be the most commonly used sand because it is found in abundance, and thus it costs low (therein being its greatest advantage). However, there are some disadvantages of sand as well. The disadvantages of silica are high thermal expansion, which can result in casting defects in metals having high melting points, and low thermal conductivity, which can very easily result in defective casting. Apart from there that, there comes some more barriers to it. It also cannot be used in sync with some of the basic metals because it will chemically react with the metal, resulting in surface defects. Finally, it releases silica particles during the pour, risking silicosis in foundry workers.
What is another name for silica sand?
Silica sand, also known as quartz sand, white sand, or industrial sand, is made up of two main elements: silica and oxygen. Specifically, silica sand is made up of silicon dioxide (SiO2). The most common form of SiO2 is quartz – a chemically inert and relatively hard mineral.
What is the difference between silica sand and regular sand?
Understanding the Difference Between Silica Sand and Washed Sand. Silica sand consists of fine pieces of quartz and other minerals such as salt, silt, clay, dust and various powders. Washed sand goes through a cleaning or “washing” process that removes these additional substances.
Is there silica sand in Egypt?
Silica sand is available in Egypt in different location on the North side of Suez Gulf in ABOU ZNIEMA or in Southern side of Suez Gulf in AL ZAFARANA Along Red sea cost as well in north Sinai in AL AREASH AREA. the Purity of that Sand Exceeds 99.3%.
What kind of sand does Egypt have?
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Morocco and Oman are the richest countries with black sand reserves. In Egypt, that black sand comes from the Nile River, and accumulates on beaches in the form of sediments or sand dunes as a result of the collision of the Nile water with the Mediterranean waters.
You can explore top mining materials exported from Egypt to Europe
Where can you buy Silica Sand?
You can check our Silica Sand page for more information
