WOLLASTONITE

Geological Research on the Industrial Mineral Wollastonite



Abstract

In this study, we will try to explore the uses and applications of Wollastonite that is an industrial mineral, in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on different information about Wollastonite and its relation with industrial mining. The research also analyzes historical perspectives, the mining methods, ores, and hazards of Wollastonite. Summary

The term "industrial mineral" generally refers to rocks or minerals whose physical or chemical properties are put to various uses, products or processes. Industrial minerals include over fifty rocks, non-metallic mineral substances. Industrial minerals are found in varying concentrations in different rock types. The exploitation of industrial minerals often involves processes of mining and relatively complex processing, which greatly influences the usability of a deposit. The market is another important constraint that must be taken into account. For some substances, the market is very fragmented; therefore, their sale and distribution becomes very complex. For others, the market is controlled by one or more major companies, leaving little room for new companies. Wollastonite is one such mineral. Wollastonite is mainly used in ceramics (40%), plastics (35%), and paints (10%) in addition to metallurgy and friction. Its color is white to yellowish-brown natural. It has good resistance, cooking characteristics and ability to reduce cracking. It is chemically composed of calcium, silicon and oxygen. Its molecular formula can be expressed as CaO or CaSiO3.SiO2. it is commonly referred to as calcium metasilicate obsolete according to the classification of silicates as oxyacids of silicon, a hypothetical acid salt metasilicic: H2SiO3. It has a theoretical composition of 48.28% and 51.72% CaO SiO2. However, natural wollastonite may contain trace or minor ions of different metals, like aluminum, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and sodium. Any of these ions can partially substitute for calcium, if present. Wollastonite is rarely alone, and in areas of mineral deposits containing 20-98% wollastonite. Minerals are more often associated with calcite, garnet, and diopside. It is used as a source of silica and alkalis in the production of ceramics, to produce coatings, semivitreous bodies, glazes and ceramic insulators, thermoplastics, adhesives and ceramic-bonded abrasives. Wollastonite has been found useful as a soil additive and a fertilizer plant for reactivity in acidic conditions. Instead of lime or limestone, it offers long-term protection against soil acidification. In some countries, wollastonite has also found use as an inert carrier for pesticides and insecticides. All in all, wollastonite is a useful industrial mineral that has several uses and benefits if it is utilized properly.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Summaryiii

Introduction1

Discussion2

Historical Perspective2

Mineral Origins3

Ore Types4

Mining Methods4

Uses5

Hazards7

Conclusion7

References8

Geological Research on the Industrial Mineral Wollastonite

Introduction

Industrial minerals have special natural properties that make them useful in many everyday applications. Wollastonite is one such mineral. It appears in many common daily uses, but it is not widely known. The mineral's special properties were not used commercially until about 1950, but since then its importance has steadily increased. Deposits of good quality wollastonite are uncommon and so the mineral commands a good price in the right ...