Sand manufacturing

Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely ground rock and mineral particles. It is a popular manufacturing material used across a broad spectrum of construction, glass, and transportation industries.

 

Sand materials can be classified in several main categories:

 

Chromite is an iron chromium oxide mineral that belongs to the spinel group. It is largely the most industrially important mineral to be used as an alloying material in stainless and tool steels. Chromite is composed of two metals: chromite and magnesiochromite. Chrome plating and alloying for use in corrosion-resistant superalloys, nichrome, and stainless steel is derived from the Chromium extracted from Chromite. Chromium is also used as a pigment for glass, glazes, paint, and as an oxidizing agent for tanning leather. Sometimes, it is used as a gemstone.
 

Zircon is a ubiquitous mineral found in the earth’s crust. It is mainly applied as an opacifier, for example, in the pharmaceutical and decorative ceramics industries. It is also used in refractories and foundry casting and in a growing number of specialty applications such as zirconia and zirconium chemicals, nuclear fuel rods, catalytic fuel converters, and water and air purification systems. Additionally, Zircon is a key mineral that geologists employ in geochronology.