Quartz / Silica – A High-Purity Industrial Mineral

Quartz (SiO₂), also known as Silica, is a naturally occurring mineral with exceptional hardness, chemical stability, thermal resistance, and high transparency. Its abrasion resistance, durability, and inertness make it a key ingredient in paints, rubber, foundry, refractories, construction, ceramics, filtration, adhesives, and more.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply high-purity Quartz and Silica in various grades, ensuring superior performance, consistency, and high efficiency in industrial applications.

Chemical Properties of Quartz / Silica

• Chemical Formula: SiO₂
• Composition: Silicon (Si), Oxygen (O)

Physical Properties:

• Hardness (Mohs hardness: 7): Quartz is the second hardest common mineral after diamond, making it extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Its hardness makes it suitable for use in abrasives and as a component in construction materials.
• High Thermal and Chemical Stability: Quartz is highly stable at high temperatures and does not easily break down or react with most chemicals. This stability makes it ideal for use in high-temperature industrial applications, such as in furnace linings or as a refractory material.
• Insoluble in Water and Resistant to Acids: Silica is chemically inert and does not dissolve in water or react with most acids (except hydrofluoric acid). This property is why quartz is often used in environments where it may be exposed to harsh chemicals.
• High Melting Point (1,713°C): Silica has an extremely high melting point, making it suitable for use in high-temperature industrial processes, such as glass-making or in the production of ceramics.
• Low Thermal Expansion: Quartz expands very little when heated, which is why it is commonly used in precision instruments, including clocks, lenses, and optical fibers, where stability is crucial.

Interesting Facts:

1. Electronics Industry: Quartz is used in electronics for oscillators and frequency control due to its piezoelectric properties.
2. Glass Production: Silica is a key ingredient in making glass, contributing to its strength, clarity, and durability.

Industrial Applications of Quartz / Silica

Quartz / Silica is a functional filler, reinforcing agent, and filtration medium used in multiple industries:

1. Paint & Coatings

• Acts as a filler, improving durability, UV resistance, and chemical stability.
• Enhances scratch and wear resistance in coatings.
• Improves weather resistance and long-term performance.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply high-purity Silica for high-performance paint and coating formulations.

2. Rubber, Tyre & Flame Retardants

• Used as a reinforcing filler, improving tensile strength and elasticity.
• Enhances abrasion resistance and mechanical properties in tyres.
• Provides flame-retardant properties, reducing fire hazards in industrial applications.

We supply high-purity Quartz and Silica for stronger, long-lasting rubber and flame-retardant materials.

3. Friction & Automotive

• Used in brake pads and clutch facings, providing friction stability.
• Enhances wear resistance and thermal shock resistance in automotive applications.
• Improves durability and impact resistance in friction materials.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply automotive-grade Quartz for high-performance friction applications.

4. Welding Electrodes

• Acts as a fluxing agent in welding rod coatings.
• Enhances arc stability and slag formation.
• Improves weld bead smoothness and penetration.

We provide welding-grade Silica for efficient and high-quality welding electrodes.

5. Foundry

• Used in core-making and molding sands, ensuring high-temperature resistance.
• Provides high refractoriness and low thermal expansion for precision casting.
• Enhances sand mold stability, reducing defects in metal casting.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply foundry-grade Silica for high-quality casting applications.

6. Refractories

• Enhances thermal shock resistance in refractory linings.
• Used in kiln linings, furnace bricks, and insulating materials.
• Improves slag resistance and durability in extreme heat applications.

We provide high-purity refractory-grade Quartz for heat-resistant applications.

7. Ceramics

• Used in ceramic bodies and glazes, improving strength and whiteness.
• Enhances thermal stability and resistance to cracking.
• Provides a smooth, glossy finish in ceramic products.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply ceramic-grade Quartz for high-performance ceramic manufacturing.

8. Soap & Detergents

• Acts as an abrasive agent in cleaning products for deep cleansing.
• Improves foam stability and detergent effectiveness.
• Enhances scrubbing power in industrial and household cleaning formulations.

We supply high-purity Quartz and Silica for effective detergent and cleaning products.

9. Construction

• Used in concrete, asphalt, and cement to enhance strength and durability.
• Provides weather resistance and long-term stability in construction materials.
• Improves workability and adhesion in cement and mortar.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply construction-grade Quartz for stronger and more durable building materials.

10. Filtration

• Used in water purification and air filtration systems.
• Removes impurities, heavy metals, and sediments from industrial wastewater.
• Provides high permeability and efficiency in multi-stage filtration.

We provide high-purity Quartz and Silica for industrial and commercial filtration applications.

11. Adhesives & Sealants

• Acts as a reinforcing filler, improving viscosity and bonding strength.
• Enhances chemical resistance and moisture protection.
• Improves durability and flexibility in sealant formulations.

At Ashok Minerals, we supply industrial-grade Quartz for high-performance adhesives and sealants.

Advantages of Using Quartz / Silica in Industries

✅ High Hardness & Abrasion Resistance – Enhances mechanical strength and durability in industrial applications.

✅ Superior Chemical Stability – Resists corrosion, chemical reactions, and environmental damage.

✅ High Thermal Stability – Withstands extreme temperatures, making it ideal for refractories, foundry, and ceramics.

✅ Eco-Friendly & Cost-Effective – A natural, sustainable mineral that reduces production costs.

✅ Versatile Industrial Use – Found in paints, coatings, rubber, foundry, refractories, construction, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Quartz / Silica used in so many industries?

Quartz / Silica’s hardness, chemical resistance, and thermal stability make it ideal for multiple applications.

2. How does Quartz improve paint and coatings?

It enhances scratch resistance, UV stability, and durability in coatings and paints.

3. Is Quartz safe for construction and filtration use?

Yes, high-purity Quartz from Ashok Minerals is safe and widely used in construction and water treatment.

4. How does Quartz benefit industrial adhesives?

It improves adhesion strength, viscosity, and chemical resistance in adhesives and sealants.

For high-quality Quartz / Silica solutions, Ashok Minerals is your trusted supplier.

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