SILICA (Silica Sand)

Silica (Silica Sand)
By Aqeel Chemical & Processing Unit

Silicon and oxygen are the two most abundant elements on Earth, and together they form silica (SiO₂) – one of the most common rock-forming minerals. Silica occurs in three main crystalline forms: quartz (the most common), tridymite, and cristobalite. Known for its durability, heat resistance, and chemical stability, silica has been used by humans since ancient times in glassmaking and metallurgy, and continues to be a critical raw material in modern industries.

At Aqeel Chemical & Processing Unit, we supply high-quality silica sand that meets industrial standards for purity, with deposits containing over 95% silica content. For many applications, even higher purity levels are available through our specialized processing.

Applications of Silica Sand

Glass Industry

Silica is the key ingredient in glassmaking, used in products such as:

  • Containers (bottles, jars)
  • Flat glass (windows, mirrors, automotive glass)
  • Lighting glass (bulbs, tubes)
  • Tableware (crystal, drinking glasses)
  • Fiberglass, optical glass, TV screens, and decorative glass.

Foundry Casting

With a high melting point of 1610°C, silica sand is ideal for foundry moulds, enabling safe casting of molten metals into desired shapes.

Ceramics

Finely ground silica is a vital ingredient in ceramics and glazes, used in tableware, sanitary ware, floor/wall tiles, and ornamental products.

Filtration

Graded silica sand is widely used in water treatment plants as a filtration medium, helping to remove impurities from wastewater and drinking water.

Construction & Building Materials

Silica is essential in the construction sector, used in:

  • Aerated concrete blocks
  • Roofing and floor tiles
  • White line markings
  • Resin injection systems
  • Cement and roofing felt.

Sports & Leisure

Silica sand is also applied in sports grounds and landscaping: equestrian surfaces, artificial turf, golf courses, football & cricket pitches, and play sand.

Other Industrial Uses

Silica has extensive industrial applications, including:

  • Manufacture of chemicals and metals
  • Filler in plastics and paints
  • Refractory materials
  • Oil well stimulation
  • Additives in agriculture and horticulture
  • Production of silicon chips for modern electronics.

Processing of Silica Sand

High-grade silica sand is typically quarried from unconsolidated deposits. At Aqeel Chemical & Processing Unit, we ensure quality through:

  • Washing & cleaning of grains
  • Sizing to remove unwanted fractions
  • Physical & chemical treatment to eliminate impurities (iron, chromium, etc.)
  • Drying & fine grinding (where required) for specialized applications.

With our expertise, Aqeel Chemical & Processing Unit guarantees consistent quality silica sand for glass, foundry, ceramic, filtration, construction, and high-tech industries, enabling businesses to achieve excellence in their production processes.