Sands, materials with multiple uses
Silica sand is a compound resulting from the combination of silica with oxygen. Its chemical composition is formed by a silica atom and two oxygen atoms, forming a very stable molecule: SiO2. Sands made in CAVISA are formed, either by the presence in the multiple quartz dikes that cross our deposits, or they come from the decomposition of the granite matrix into its 3 components by hydrothermal processes, which release the quartz sands.
Silica appears in ten different crystalline forms or polymorphs. Quartz is the most common, being the second most common mineral on the earth's surface. It is found in almost all types of rocks, that means, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Being so abundant, it is present in almost all mining operations.
The main forms of crystalline silica used industrially are quartz and cristobalite. Both are marketed as sand, which is a granular material with particles larger than 0.063 millimetres, and as a powder consisting of finer particles.
Silica sand has characteristics that are highly appreciated in several industrial uses, such as:
- High melting point
- Hardness
- Transparency
- Chemical resistance
Animal well-being
Sand is typically used in the cattle sector. This material is not very abrasive, so it reduces the damage to the hooves and the body of the animal, while improving the drainage of the stalls. It has low density. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand.
Paths for equestrian centres
Siliceous sands are the basic raw material for paths in general, including the construction of equestrian tracks of all kinds and for all weather. They help the cushioning of the horse and mixed with synthetic fibres it helps increase soil yield. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Concrete
Sand is used for concrete and mortar, with granulometries of 0-5 mm and 0-2 mm. In this sector, it is also used as filler. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Environmental regenerations of beaches
Sands with various granulometries are used in this sector. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Mortars
Dry sands and sands with varied granulometries are used in this sector. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Technical aggregates
Las arenas son utilizadas para la elaboración de piedras artificiales. Para este sector la arena de granulometría 0,1 y la blend 100 son las usadas. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Water filtration
Small size silica sand is the main way of filtration used by water industry to extract solids from wastewater. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Foundry
Sands with various granulometries are used for foundry. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Gardening
Silica is used in agriculture, commercial gardening, horticulture and forestry in applications such as soil conditioners or transport for fertilizers and feed additives. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Golf fields
Sand is the key of golf fields. Its absorption and the “playability” of the land depends on the selected grain. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Ceramics
Siliceous sands are present in products such as crockery, sanitary ware, ornaments and tiles and walls. Also high-tech ceramics contain sands that have previously been ground to fine sizes to form an important component of ceramic glazes. Crystalline silica is a major component in the production of refractory bricks and spoon coatings. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Glass
Sand is the main ingredient in virtually all types of glass. The main glass products include containers (bottles and jars), flat glass (windows, mirrors, vehicle glass), dishes (glasses, bowls, decanters), lighting glass (light bulbs, fluorescent tubes), tubes and TV screens ( even flat), screens, decorative optical glass, etc. Glass fibbers, mainly used for composite reinforcements or in decorative textiles, are made of silica sand. Various grain sizes defined by the final consumer are used. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Construction industry
The Construction industry is based on silica sand. There are a large number of specialized applications that include cement, silica and aerated concrete block manufacturing, tile and tile adhesives, and plaster compounds, white line markings, roof cladding, and cement and resin injection systems. They are also used in adjacent activities such as the blasting of facades and natural stone. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Oil sector
Granulometries of silica sand that are thick in size and have spherical particles are pumped into the oil wells and into the oil-containing strata to improve the permeability and flow of oil to the well. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Chemical products
Cristobalite sand and high purity quartz are used to produce a range of silicon chemicals that include sodium silicate, silica gel, silicones, silicon tetrachloride, silanes and pure silicon. Pure silicon is used for silicon chips, the heart of the computer world. Silicone products are used in the production of detergents, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand
Metallurgical industry
Quartz is the raw material for the production of metallic silicon and ferrosilicon. Silicon is used in the production of alloys based on aluminum, copper and nickel. Ferrosilicon is an important alloy ingredient for iron and steel. The metallic minerals are purified in the oven with silica sand that is transformed into metallic slag. Follow the link to see or visualize the different types of sand