The Value of Zircon

One of the most important applications for zircon is in the production of white pigment opacifiers that’s used in surface glazes and pigments for the tile and ceramics industry. Refractory applications are also a common use of zircon, which are used to make refractory bricks and shapes for use in steel and glass industries. Due to its high melting point (2200°C) zircon is used as a foundry sand in moulds, and as milled “flour”, particularly in higher temperature applications where maintaining the quality of the surface of the casting is important. The specialized area known as “investment casting” is a growing application for zircon in this industry (TZMI, 2008). Zircon is also used for the production of zirconia, zirconium metal and zirconium chemicals.
These are high value and growing applications for which total consumption of zircon is becoming significant. The chemicals and metals extracted from Zircon represent the apex in the modern nuclear and aero nautical engineering.

Zirconium represents a very vital and an important position in the world of industrial, medical and the defense applications as well. Zircon metal due to its high strength and corrosion resistant properties is used as a key ingredient in many numbers of alloys. High compression strength of Zirconium alloys finds its application in key naval and aerospace industries as components in the submarine hulls and high speed aircraft alloys. Low neutron absorption properties of Zircon make it an irreplaceable component in the nuclear fusion engine inner liner components as well. Moreover Zirconium silicate and Zirconium dioxide are highly refractive and abrasion resistant minerals which are used in high temperature kiln lining, refractory ceramics and in Nano technology industries.

Manufacture of Chromium / Yttrium stabilized Zirconium Dioxide

Micronized Zircon powder is placed in a kiln to disassociate Zirconium Dioxide and Fumed Silica.

Electric Kiln For production of Zirconium Dioxide.