What is Silica?

Silica, with the chemical formula SiO2, is the most abundant oxide compound found in the Earth’s crust. Silica occurs in nature either in a free form or combined with other oxides.

Clay, alkali feldspar, and silica are the primary raw materials for ceramic bodies. Silica has a hardness of seven on the Mohs scale.

Quartz is a rock that contains silica and can form as sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic.

Silica has high resistance to solubility in acid, water, and heat. This mineral possesses high hardness, excellent resistance to water and acid, and various elements in its crystalline structure, leading to different purities and numerous applications across various industries.

Some applications of silica include:

• Glass manufacturing and crystal-making industry
• Tile and ceramics industry
• Glazing and tile adhesive in concrete
• Water treatment and filtration
• Casting
• Petrochemicals
• Construction industry
• Artificial grass in sports fields
• Jewelry-making (in various forms like agates, etc.)
• Watchmaking
• In geology, medicine, and energy healing, among others.

In general, the quality of silica is categorized into three levels: Premium, Grade 1, and Grade 2.