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Feldspar
There are several types of feldspars: most deposits offer sodium feldspar, potassium feldspar and mixed feldspars.
Mineral Properties
Feldspars are aluminosilicates. Their fusibility and purity make them a useful raw material with many industrial applications. The geological context specific to each deposit gives the feldspars a variety of physical and chemical properties, thus providing products for a full-range of ceramic and glass-making applications.
Markets for Feldspar
Feldspars are used:
as fluxing agents in the production of ceramics, where they play a vital role in the firing of tiles, 
sanitary ware, tableware and glazes.
in glass-making, where they provide the aluminium that enhances the strength and
transparency of hollow glass, flat glass, and glass wool.
as fillers in paints, plasters, insulation etc
Production Processes
once the project zone has been defined, the area is blasted to break up the rock and make itaccessible to the diggers and loaders. The ore is then extracted and transported to the
process plant.
feed stocks are built up and sampled at the quarry. Samples are tested with a view to
providing the process plant with a constant homogeneous supply that is appropriate for the
product in production.
aggregates are returned to the quarry. The remaining product is sold directly in the form of
sand to glass manufacturers; or ground up and packed for ceramics markets.
Quick View |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Soda-Feldspar | Calc-Feldspar | Potash-Feldspar | |
| Mineralogy: | Albite | Anorthite | Orthoclase |
| Typical Aspect Ratio | 1 – 2 :1 | 1 – 2 :1 | 1 – 2 :1 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.62 | 2.73 | 2.56 |
| Refractive Index | 1.53 | 1.58 | 1.52 |
| Hardness (Moh’s) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Moisture (max %) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| pH (untreated) | ~6 | ~6 | ~6 |
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