Zircon
Zircon is a natural zirconium silicate mineral (ZrSiO4) although it is often represented as zirconia (ZrO2) which is an advanced ceramic material derived from zircon.
Its primary use is in the production of ceramics (tiles and sanitary ware), compromising of ~55% of global demand. Other uses include manufacture of refractory materials, foundry castings, zirconium metal, chemicals, and glass.
Smaller quantities of zircon are used in the manufacture of electronics, including mobile phones. Highly refined zircon is used to produce zirconium sponge, a high-end product used in the nuclear industry.
Key uses of
Zircon
Zircon contained in Image HMC is futher processed into final products with a wide range of applications globally.
Ceramics
Zircon is primarily used in ceramics such as in tiles and sanitary wear due to its high hardness and resistance to scratching and abrasion, as well as its high refractive index which enables light to be scattered, enhancing opacity and whiteness in traditional ceramics.
Zirconium metal
Zircon used in foundry applications are typically in the form of milled sand for castings. The properties of zircon such as its high melting point, grain consistency and low wettability allow zircon to be used as a moulding base material for sand casting and investment casting.
Refractories
Zircon is a valuable material for the foundry and refractory industry due to its high hardness and strength, resistance to chemicals and dimensional stability at high temperatures. These benefits make zircon ideal for use in refractory mortar, refractory linings for metal and glass furnaces and firebricks.
Cubic zirconia
Zircon can be processed at high temperatures in an electric arc furnace to form zirconia. Zirconia can be used in advanced ceramics such as cutting instruments and tools, aerospace applications, microengineering, medical components and electronics. Zirconia is used in the manufacturing of biomedical implants due to its durability and toughness.
