Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. Quartz is a kind of mineral being formed into crystals due to extreme pressure. As a chemical compound, it consists of one-part silicon and then two parts oxygen. It is considered as the most abundant mineral that can be found at Earthâ??s surface. Through its unique properties,
it became among the most useful minerals. Quartz does not form any stone blocks, and it naturally exists in clusters It has a hardness of seven on the Mohs Scale which makes it very durable. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering. The beauty of quartz is that it is very flexible where it can be used in different applications, from interior design to pieces of jewelry to larger industry. Thus, everyone can expect for high-end use, and separate benefits since quartz undergo a thorough and careful manufacturing process.
Identification
In most cases quartz is easy to identify by its combination of the following properties:
- hardness (easily scratches glass, also harder than steel)
- glass-like luster
- poor to indistinct cleavage
- conchoidal fracture in crystals, in massive specimens the fracture often looks irregular to the naked eye, but still conchoidal at high magnification
Uses of Quartz
1. In Glass Making â??
Geological processes have occasionally deposited sands that are composed of almost
100% quartz grains. These deposits have been identified and produced as sources of
high purity silica sand. These sands are used in the glassmaking industry. Quartz sand
is used in the production of container glass, flat plate glass, specialty glass, and
fiberglass
2. As an Abrasive â??
The high hardness of quartz, seven on the Mohs Scale, makes it harder than most other
natural substances. As such it is an excellent abrasive material. Quartz sands and finely
ground silica sand are used for sand blasting, scouring cleansers, grinding media, and
grit for sanding and sawing.
3. As a Foundry Sand â??
Quartz is very resistant to both chemicals and heat. It is therefore often used as a
foundry sand. With a melting temperature higher than most metals, it can be used for the
molds and cores of common foundry work. Refractory bricks are often made of quartz
sand because of its high heat resistance. Quartz sand is also used as a flux in the
smelting of metals.
4. In the Petroleum Industry
Quartz sand has a high resistance to being crushed. In the petroleum industry, sand
slurries are forced down oil and gas wells under very high pressures in a process known
as hydraulic fracturing. This high pressure fractures the reservoir rocks, and the sandy
slurry injects into the fractures. The durable sand grains hold the fractures open after the
pressure is released. These open fractures facilitate the flow of natural gas into the well
bore.
