Magnesium Silicate
Magnesium silicate is a mineral of the silicate family, often encountered in the form of the dust created through the mining of magnesite and serpentine ore. In its sands form, it is known as olivine, and forms as either an extra or as grain masses. Chemically, magnesium silicate is comprised of oxygen and magnesium, creating a rock-forming mineral used in many industrial and commercial applications.
The magnesium silicate mineral group is composed of many different species, common forms include talc, serpentine and Chlorite. Each of these is slightly different in its make up and in its physical characteristics. The most common form of magnesium silicate is chrysotile – the only commercial form of asbestos. Other species such as brucite, ferro-actinolite, antigorite, forsterite and enstatite may also be encountered in the types of commercial deposits obtained from the tailings of ore processing.
Magnesium silicate is a naturally occurring material that has long been used in many industries. It is an extremely versatile mineral with a wide range of applications, from household building materials to scouring powder. One of its main uses is as a kind of lightweight aggregate, known as lightweight brick aggregate, which is used in the construction of lightweight brick wall materials. Magnesium silicate has a variety of uses related to the building industry, including tile adhesives, fireproof boards, carving materials and chimney cement.
In its form as a natural mineral, magnesium silicate is white or off-white in color due to its high magnesium content. It is also known to be thermally and chemically stable, with a low electrical conductivity compared to other minerals. In addition, magnesium silicate has a low refractive index and shows little change from standard conditions. Its chemical formula is MgO2Si2, with each element of the mineral’s atomic structure linked to it.
In industrial applications, magnesium silicate is used for a number of different purposes, with its characteristics being advantageous for tasks such as insulation and gasketing applications. It is also used in manufacturing non-skid floors, fire-retardant tiles, and many types of tile and grout for commercial spaces. Its unique combination of properties makes it an ideal choice for making lightweight bricks and tiles for building materials. Furthermore, it is known to be an excellent insulator and is used in the insulation of soundproof wall components and fireproof panels.
The use of magnesium silicate sand as a filter is becoming increasingly common in many industries. This is due to its remarkable ability to filter and clean out certain substances from water and wastewater. The particles in the sand act as a filter, trapping particles, bacteria, and other contaminants so they can be removed from the process. The filter media can be used in a variety of processes, including food processing, printing, and even breweries.
The use of magnesium silicate is gradually increasing due to its versatility and desirable properties. It is easy to source, abundant in nature and is a very affordable mineral. As such, it is being used more and more in various industrial and commercial applications. Its unique combination of physical characteristics and its thermally and chemically stable nature make it an ideal mineral for many industrial product applications.
