Silica Sand
LAVA silica sand is an α-quartz type microcrystalline silica sand produced in Milos. It is derived from the hydrothermal alteration of its parent volcanic rock.
There are two qualities of LAVA silica sand: high-purity
SSL10 silica sand (more than 80% white) and
SSL20 silica sand (pink) that feature different SiO2 and various mixtures content (particularly Fe2O3, which essentially accounts for the colour difference).
Its specific weight is 1.1 g/cm3 and its natural moisture content is 7-15%.
Both qualities of LAVA silica sand feature the following specifications:
|
SSL10 |
SSL20 |
| Silicon dioxide SiO2 |
97 - 99% |
88 - 92% |
| Aluminium oxide Al2O3 |
0.2 - 0.05% |
0.5 - 1.5% |
| Ferric oxide Fe2O3 |
0.02 - 0.05% |
0.1 - 1% |
| Calcium Oxide CaO |
0.1 - 0.4% |
0.2 - 1% |
| Sulphates SO3 |
0 - 0.1% |
0.1 - 0.4% |
| Potassium Oxide K2O |
0.02 - 0.05% |
0.1 - 0.5% |
| Sodium Oxide Na2O |
0.02 - 0.05% |
0.03 - 0.1% |
| Titanium dioxide TiO2 |
0.2 - 0.4% |
0.4 - 0.7% |
| Loss on Ignition 950oC |
0.7 - 1% |
1 - 2.5% |
LAVA silica sand is used:
- in the glass industry.
- in the ceramics industry (tiles, tile glues, sanitary ware, ceramic materials ).
- in building uses (mortars, blocks, decorative tiles).
- as a filler in the industry of paints.
- as foundry sand.
- in waterglass manufacture.
- in the refractory industry.
- in the cement industry.
Sustainable Construction
Sustainable construction aims at limiting buildings' environmental impact, improving at the same time quality when it comes to aesthetics, viability, resistance and durability. Sustainable construction techniques can be implemented throughout a building's life, from the selection of initial materials up to its demolition and material recycling.
Sustainable construction involves in particular:
- Using recyclable materials aiming at preserving natural resources;
- Integrating renewable energy sources into building designing;
- Optimising renewable energy sources.