Zircon is an important ore in the mineral world and is used in various industries, including jewelry, ceramics and electronics. Zircon is also used in the preparation of synthetic sapphire and ruby. Zircon is mined mainly from alluvial deposits. The alluvial deposits usually contain a mixture of gravel, sand and clay. Zircon, together with other heavy minerals, is found in these sediments, which are usually the product of weathering of a pre-existing zircon-bearing rock.
The traditional method of zircon mining involves dry mining where the material is excavated, dried and sieved for the desired material. The material is then concentrated by hand panning, jigging and physical separation. After the zircon has been obtained from the sediments, it must undergo additional processes in order to purify it.
The first step in the purification process involves the removal of clay and other impurities. To do this, the material is ground in order to improve its liberation. After grinding, the material is subjected to flotation. This process involves introducing a reagent into the mixture, which allows the particles to attach to bubbles of air. The particles with desirable properties, such as zircon, will attach to the bubbles and float to the surface of the mixture. The floating material can then be skimmed off and collected.
The next step in the purification process involves separating the zircon from other heavy minerals. This can be done by a variety of techniques, including magnetic separation, electrostatic separation and gravity separation. Magnetic separation is the most commonly used and involves the use of a powerful magnet to pull the desired particles from the mixture. Gravity separation is also used, as it relies on the differences in the density of the particles. This process relies on the heavier particles, such as zircon, sinking to the bottom, while the lighter particles, such as silica, float to the surface.
The final step in the purification process is the removal of impurities from the zircon. The impurities are typically metals or radioactive elements and must be removed in order for the zircon to be used in applications that require a high degree of purity. One of the most commonly used techniques for removing impurities is acid leaching. This process involves the use of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, to dissolve the impurities and leave the zircon unaffected.
Once the zircon has been purified, it can be used in a variety of applications. Zircon is commonly used in the production of ceramics and jewelry, as well as in the manufacture of optical and laboratory equipment. It is also used in nuclear power plants, as a way to control and monitor the production of nuclear fuel.
Zircon is an important ore and is essential for a large number of industries. Its importance makes it essential to ensure that the mining processes are done in an efficient and effective manner, in order to maintain the quality of the product.
