Silica, otherwise known as industrial sand, provides the most important ingredient for glass production. Silica sand provides the essential Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) required for glass formulation, which makes silica the primary component in all types of standard and specialty glass. Though the production of glass requires a variety of different commodities, silica represents over 70% of its final weight. Its chemical purity is the primary determinant of color, clarity, and strength of the glass produced.
In the production of glass, there is both the need and requirement for silica to be chemically pure (composed of over 98% SiO2), of the appropriate diameter (a grain size of between 0.075 mm and 1.18 mm), and color (must contain between 0.025% and 0.04% Fe2O3). These requirements are extremely specific and technical; and this is because the silica must be hard, able to resist high temperatures, and maintain a consistent appearance as a finished product.
Industrial sand is vital to many different aspects of life, including the construction of the buildings we live, work, and play in. Silica is used to produce flat glass we see in buildings across the world. However, the glass industry not only supplies construction materials but also enables the manufacturing of windshields and windows for the automobile industry. Additionally, industrial sand is used in container glass for foods and beverages, and tableware. In its pulverized form, ground silica is required for the production of fiberglass insulation and reinforcing glass fibers. A few specialty glass applications include: test tubes and other scientific tools, incandescent and fluorescent lamps, television, and computer CRT monitors. Several industries rely on the production of glass, and therefore the industrial sand NISA members produce.
