High-Quality Minerals for Industry

What is Crystalline Quartz?

Crystalline quartz, also known as alpha-quartz, is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms (SiO2). It’s one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Crystalline quartz is characterized by its:

1. High purity (up to 99.99% SiO2)
2. Hexagonal crystal structure
3. High hardness (7 on the Mohs scale)
4. Chemical inertness
5. Thermal stability (up to 573°C)

Importance in Crucibles Manufacturing

Crucibles are high-temperature containers used in various industrial processes, such as metal melting, glass manufacturing, and semiconductor production. Crystalline quartz is a critical material for crucible manufacturing due to its unique properties:

Key Benefits:

1. High thermal shock resistance: Quartz can withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking or shattering.
2. Chemical inertness: Quartz doesn’t react with molten metals or other materials, ensuring contamination-free processing.
3. High purity: Quartz’s high purity minimizes impurities in the crucible, which is essential for producing high-quality materials.
4. Thermal stability: Quartz maintains its structure and properties at high temperatures, ensuring consistent performance.
5. Durability: Quartz crucibles have a long lifespan, reducing replacement costs and downtime.

Applications:

Crystalline quartz crucibles are used in:

1. Semiconductor manufacturing (e.g., silicon wafer production)
2. Metal melting and casting (e.g., aluminum, copper)
3. Glass manufacturing (e.g., fiberglass, quartz glass)
4. Ceramics and refractories production
5. Laboratory research and development