QUARTZ SAND (SiO₂)

High-Purity Silica Sand for Diverse Industrial Applications

The Versatile Industrial Mineral Powering Modern Manufacturing. With exceptional chemical purity, thermal stability, hardness, and inertness, quartz sand is indispensable for manufacturing processes ranging from glass production and metal casting to water purification and specialty chemicals.

The Foundation

Why Quartz Sand Matters

Quartz sand is far more than just "sand"—it's a precisely engineered industrial mineral with unique properties that make it irreplaceable in modern manufacturing.

Exceptional Properties

  • High Silica Content (SiO₂): Typically 95-99.5% purity depending on grade.
  • Chemical Inertness: Non-reactive with most chemicals and metals.
  • High Thermal Resistance: Withstands temperatures exceeding 1,700°C.
  • Hardness (Mohs 7): Excellent abrasion and wear resistance.
  • Low Thermal Expansion: Dimensional stability under heat.
  • Optical Clarity: Ultra-low iron grades produce colorless glass.
  • Controlled Particle Distribution: Precision grading for specific applications.

Global Importance

  • Glass Industry: Quartz sand constitutes 60-75% of glass raw materials.
  • Foundry Sector: Essential for 70% of all metal castings worldwide.
  • Water Treatment: Critical filtration media for billions of people.
  • Construction: Key component in concrete, mortar, and specialty surfaces.

Processing Options

  • Dry Processing: Cost-effective for most applications.
  • Washed Processing: Removes clay, silt, and impurities for premium grades.
  • Magnetic Separation: Reduces iron content for glass applications.
  • Acid Washing: Ultra-low iron grades (<0.015% Fe₂O₃) for optical glass.
  • Calcination: Heat treatment for specialty applications.

Critical Quality Parameters

Parameter Importance Typical Range
SiO₂ Content (%) Chemical purity for glass, ceramics, metallurgy 95.0 – 99.8%
Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide %) Controls color in glass; critical for optical clarity 0.010 – 0.10%
Al₂O₃ (Alumina %) Affects melting temperature and glass properties 0.1 – 2.0%
TiO₂ (Titania %) Influences color and chemical durability 0.01 – 0.10%
Moisture Content (%) Affects handling, processing, and storage <0.5 – 5.0%
Particle Size Dist. Determines application suitability and performance Application-specific
Grain Shape Rounded vs. angular affects permeability and packing Rounded/Angular
Acid Solubility (%) Durability in chemical environments <3.5%
Applications 1 & 2

Glass & Ceramics

🍾 1. GLASS MANUFACTURING

Quartz sand is the primary raw material in glass manufacturing, providing the essential silica (SiO₂) that forms the glass network structure.

Container Glass

Glass Bottles & Jars

  • Mesh Size: 20 to 100 Mesh | Processing: Dry
  • SiO₂ Content: 98.5 – 99.0% | Fe₂O₃: <0.020%
  • Apps: Beverage bottles, food jars, pharma.
  • Benefits: Consistent melting, controlled color, cost-effective.
Flat & Optic

Glass Sheet & Specialty

  • Mesh Size: 20 to 100 Mesh | Processing: Washed
  • SiO₂ Content: 99.0 – 99.5% | Fe₂O₃: <0.015%
  • Apps: Architectural, automotive, solar panel cover glass.
  • Benefits: Optical clarity, minimal defects, energy efficiency.
ParameterBottle/JarSheet GlassSilicate (>99.0% SiO₂)
Mesh Size20-10020-10020-150
ProcessingDryWashedWashed
SiO₂ (%)98.5-99.099.0-99.5>99.0
Fe₂O₃ (%)<0.020<0.015<0.020
Moisture (%)<1.0<0.5<0.5

🏺 2. CERAMICS INDUSTRY

Quartz sand is a critical component in ceramic body and glaze formulations, providing silica for vitrification and structural strength.

200 Mesh Powder

Ceramic Tiles, Sanitaryware & Pottery

  • Mesh Size: 200 Mesh (<0.074 mm)
  • SiO₂ Content: >97.0%
  • Fe₂O₃: <0.05% (for whiteness)
  • Brightness: >85%
  • Apps: Floor/wall tiles, toilets, sinks, electrical porcelain.
  • Benefits: High whiteness, controlled vitrification, consistency.
  • Regional Note: Supplying bulk quantities to Khurja Ceramics hub.
Applications 3 & 4

Foundry & Steel Production

⚙️ 3. FOUNDRY & METAL CASTING

Foundry sand is the most critical raw material, determining casting quality, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy.

Coarse (0.4-0.6mm)

30-40 AFS

Large castings (engine blocks, machine bases). Highest permeability.

Medium (0.3-0.4mm)

45 AFS

General-purpose casting (automotive parts, pump housings).

Fine (0.25-0.45mm)

40-55 AFS

Precision castings (intricate geometries, smooth surface finish).

Performance Benefits

  • Excellent Permeability (gas escape)
  • High Refractoriness (1,400-1,600°C)
  • Good Flowability & Reusability
Parameter30-40 AFS45 AFS40-55 AFS
Grain Size Range0.40-0.60 mm0.30-0.40 mm0.25-0.45 mm
SiO₂ (%)95-9895-9896-98
Grain ShapeRoundedSub-roundedRounded
ADV / LOI / Moisture<5 mL / <0.5% / <0.5%<5 mL / <0.5% / <0.5%<5 mL / <0.5% / <0.5%

🔥 4. IRON & STEEL PRODUCTION

Silica Ramming Mass is a high-performance refractory material used for lining induction furnaces. It's a precisely engineered blend of silica aggregates.

Iron Melting

Ramming Mass for Iron

  • Coarse (4-1 mm): 23-28%
  • Medium (1-0.15 mm): 45-55%
  • Fine (<0.15 mm): 23-28%
  • SiO₂ Content: 98 – 99%
  • Max Temp: 1,725°C
Steel Melting

Ramming Mass for Steel

  • Coarse (7-1 mm): 30-35% (Larger for higher strength)
  • Medium (1-0.15 mm): 35-45%
  • Fine (<0.15 mm): 25-30%
  • SiO₂ Content: 98.5 – 99.5% (Cleaner refractories)
  • Max Temp: 1,750°C

Benefits: Extended Furnace Campaign Life (30-40% longer), Superior Slag Resistance, Reduced Maintenance Downtime, Improved Metal Quality.

Applications 5, 6 & 7

Agro, Boilers & Water Filtration

🌾 5. PESTICIDES & AGROCHEMICALS

Quartz sand serves as an inert carrier and diluent in pesticide formulations, providing safe handling, controlled application, and environmental stability.

GradeMesh SizeParticle SizeApplications
Grade 116-32 Mesh0.60 to 1.20 mmGranular pesticides, slow-release
Grade 214-30 Mesh0.60 to 1.40 mmGeneral-purpose carrier
Grade 320-40 Mesh0.42 to 0.85 mmDust formulations, powder pesticides
Grade 435-70 Mesh0.20 to 0.50 mmFine carrier for concentrated formulations

Specs: SiO₂ >95%, Moisture <0.5% (dry, free-flowing), Processing: Dry, screened, dust-free.

🔥 6. BOILER & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

Used in industrial boilers and equipment for water filtration, bed support, and operational applications.

GradeParticle SizeApplications
Grade 10.85 – 1.5 mmFine filtration, pre-treatment
Grade 21.0 – 2.0 mmMedium filtration, general purpose
Grade 31.5 – 2.5 mmCoarse filtration, support media
Grade 42.5 – 3.5 mmGravel support, underdrain layers

Specs: SiO₂ >95%, Uniformity Coefficient <1.7, Acid Solubility <3.5%, Hardness 7 Mohs.

💧 7. WATER FILTRATION & TREATMENT

The world's most widely used filtration media for drinking water, industrial purification, and wastewater processing.

Fine Filtration Media

  • Size: 0.06 to 1.20 mm
  • Effective Size (d10): 0.45-0.55 mm
  • Uniformity Coefficient: <1.7 (preferably <1.5)
  • Primary filtration layer (turbidity removal)

Coarse Support Media

  • Size: 1.20 to 2.50 mm
  • Graded Layers: 1.2-1.7, 1.7-2.2, 2.2-2.5 mm
  • Prevents migration of fine sand into underdrain
  • Roundness >0.6 minimizes pressure drop
ParameterFine MediaCoarse Support
SiO₂ (%) / Acid Solubility>95% / <3.5%>95% / <3.5%
Roundness / Specific Gravity>0.6 / 2.55-2.65>0.6 / 2.55-2.65
Applications 8 & 9

Fireworks & Railways

🎆 8. FIREWORKS & PYROTECHNICS

Quartz sand plays a specialized role in pop crackers (throw-down fireworks) and other novelty items as a carrier medium, impact distributor, and safety buffer.

GradeSpecificationApplications
Grade 110 to 15 Mesh (1.40-2.00 mm)Coarse crackers, large pop items
Grade 20.05 to 2.00 mmGeneral-purpose novelty fireworks
Grade 33 mm nominal sizeSpecialty pyrotechnic applications

Specs: SiO₂ >95%, Moisture <0.2% (extremely dry), Processing: Dry, screened, dust-free.

🚂 9. RAILWAY BRAKING SYSTEMS

Railway traction sand is a critical safety component used to improve wheel-rail adhesion during braking and acceleration, particularly in wet, icy, or steep gradient conditions.

GradeParticle SizeMesh SizeApplications
Grade 10.30 to 1.70 mm~12-50 MeshGeneral locomotive traction
Grade 20.85 to 1.70 mm~12-20 MeshHeavy freight braking
Grade 31.00 to 2.00 mm10-18 MeshSpecialized railway applications

Specs: SiO₂ >95%, Moisture <0.3%, Grain Shape: Angular (preferred for friction), Hardness: 7 Mohs. Packaged in 25kg moisture-resistant bags.

Applications 10, 11 & 12

Paints, Oil & Gas & Metal Casting

🎨 10. PAINTS & COATINGS

Fine silica flour serves as a functional filler and extender in paint formulations, improving performance while reducing costs.

ParameterSpecification
Particle Size200-325 Mesh (<0.074 mm)
SiO₂ (%)>95%
Brightness>80% (for white/light paints)
BenefitsCost reduction, improved durability, matting effect, corrosion protection.

🛢️ 11. OIL & GAS SECTOR

Quartz sand (frac sand) is the primary proppant used in hydraulic fracturing operations to prop open fractures in oil and gas reservoirs.

Mesh SizeParticle SizeWell DepthApplications
20/40 Mesh0.85-0.42 mm>10,000 ftDeep, high-pressure wells
30/50 Mesh0.60-0.30 mm5,000-10,000 ftMedium-depth wells
40/70 Mesh0.42-0.21 mm<5,000 ftShallow wells

Specs: SiO₂ >99.0%, Sphericity/Roundness >0.6, Crush Resistance <7% fines @ 10,000 psi, Acid Solubility <2.0%. Enhances well productivity.

🛠️ 12. METAL CASTING (ADDITIONAL SPECS)

Beyond standard foundry applications, quartz sand serves specialized metal casting processes requiring specific gradations.

ParameterUltra-FineFineCoarse
ApplicationsInvestment casting, shell bldgPrecision moldsSupport sand, backing
Particle Size0.10-0.40 mm0.30-0.70 mm2.50-4.00 mm
SiO₂ (%)>98>97>95
Grain ShapeRoundedSub-roundedAngular acceptable
Capabilities

Custom Processing & Gradations

At Artemis Resources, we understand that one size does not fit all. We offer comprehensive custom processing services to meet your exact specifications.

1. Screening & Grading

Custom mesh sizes (8 to 325 mesh). Tight distribution control via multi-deck screens.

2. Washing

Clay/silt removal, organic matter elimination. Reduces acid demand value (ADV).

3. Magnetic Separation

Iron removal for glass/ceramics. High-intensity magnetic separators (HIMS).

4. Acid Washing

Premium ultra-low iron grades (<0.015% Fe₂O₃) via chemical leaching.

5. Drying & Moisture

Controlled moisture (0.1% to 5%). Rotary dryers and moisture-resistant packaging.

6. Blending Services

Custom multi-fraction blends (like ramming mass). Consistent homogeneous mixing.

7. Calcination

High-temperature heat treatment. Removes organic impurities, improves stability.

8. Packaging Options

25/50kg PP bags, 1000kg Jumbo bags (FIBC). Private labeling & marine barriers.

Quality Assurance

Uncompromising Quality Standards

Every batch of quartz sand undergoes rigorous quality control. "Quality is not an option—it's our foundation."

  • 1. Source Qualification: Mining site inspections & supplier certifications.
  • 2. In-Process Testing: Real-time monitoring & SPC.
  • 3. Laboratory Analysis: XRF, ICP-OES, Sieve analysis, Moisture testing.
  • 4. Third-Party Cert.: SGS, Intertek. COA with every shipment.
  • 5. Pre-Shipment: Final verification & packaging checks.
ISO 9001:2015 ISO 14001:2015 MSDS/SDS Export Certified
The Artemis Advantage

Why Choose Artemis Resources

  • Comprehensive Range: 12+ industry-specific formulations.
  • Precision Processing: State-of-the-art washing & beneficiation.
  • Consistent Quality: Batch-to-batch uniformity & traceability.
  • Global Sourcing: High-quality deposits ensuring availability.
  • Technical Expertise: Application engineering & process optimization.
  • Reliable Logistics: 98%+ on-time performance globally.
  • Customer-Centric: Dedicated account managers.
  • Competitive Pricing: Direct sourcing, no intermediary markups.

Technical Support & Consultation

Our team of material specialists and application engineers provides comprehensive support.

Pre-Sales Support

  • Material Selection Guidance
  • Technical Data Sheets
  • Free Samples for Validation
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis

Post-Sales Support

  • Performance Monitoring
  • Process Troubleshooting
  • Optimization Recommendations
  • Operator Training

Laboratory Services

  • Particle Size Analysis
  • Chemical Analysis (XRF)
  • Application Testing
Get Started

Get Started with Custom
Quartz Sand Solutions.

Provide us with your Industry, Particle Size/Mesh, Processing type, Quantity, and Delivery Location. Our team will respond within 24-48 hours with technical recommendations and detailed pricing.

Partner with Artemis Resources for Superior Quartz Sand Solutions.