Silica Sand

PFS Aggregates is a leading source of Texas-based silica sand.  Our Hickory (Brady Brown) formation provides sand with a range of mesh sizes and can be produced in multiple screen ranges from 12/20 to 50/140 for a wide range of uses.  With over 80 years of combined experience in sand production and processing, our team understands the value of clear communication, flexible product options, and seamless customer support from order to delivery.

It also means we are a local expert on the various applications customers may use our sand for across several industries.  We have worked with the O&G industry, industrial and construction interests, and many others to deliver high-quality, round and sub-round sand that fits the needs of many projects and businesses across the states at a reasonable cost.  

Uses of Silica Sand

Silica sand (often called industrial sand when used for this purpose) is the main structural component in several construction products.  Flooring, mortars, cement, roofing tiles, asphalt, and other industrial materials all use silica to improve durability and structural integrity.  The most common uses for silica sand are, artificial turf, golf courses and virtually all types of sports fields, industrial abrasives, filtration media, glassmaking, paints and coatings, ceramics and construction materials.  

Below are a few examples of specific uses of silica sand

• Water Filtration

One of the most common uses of silica sand is in water filtration, whether processing well water or filtering your tap water.  Because of its uniform shape and size, silica sand is an effective filtration bed that consistently removes contaminants from water.  Also, it does not degrade when exposed to acidic chemicals.

• Industrial Abrasives

Silica sand is commonly used as an abrasive to provide a clean and measured surface finish to accept a large variety of finishes that perform as maintenance, lubrication, life extending protection and aesthetics. Whether used as a wet or dry medium, always follow recommended PPE (personal protective equipment) and safety guidelines.

• Artificial Turf, Golf Courses & Sports Fields

Silica sand is used for bunkers, tee boxes and greens on golf courses, as well as for natural and synthetic sports fields. Not only does the sand add to the natural feel of an artificial tee box or green, it is a major factor in the maintenance of the golf course, football field, baseball, soccer or other field reducing landscaping costs associated with all natural grass fields. By supporting and/or increasing drainage, our sand may allow an increase in your “up time” by allowing your golf course or other fields to open after or even during a rain event that would normally close an all natural field.  With the proper turf and sand, your games and revenue streams aren’t as affected by changes in the weather. 

• Glassmaking

Silica sand is a major ingredient in the production of glassmaking-in fact, silica is the primary component in standard glass products ranging from windows to beer bottles.  The purity of the silica sand used plays a role in determining the color, strength and clarity of the final product.

• Paints & Coatings

Silica sand is used in paints and coatings to improve the overall look and durability of the paint.  Silica fillers improve  tint reduction and dirt resistance in paint, and because of silica sands’ oil-absorption properties, it makes a durable coating that is rich in pigment and resistant to wear and tear. Formulations for different applications use a variety of sand sizes. One very common use for silica sand in paints and coatings is for non-slip walkways, platforms, machinery and loading areas. 

• Ceramics & Refractories

Silica is an important component in the construction and glazing of all types of ceramics including tableware, floor tiles, wall tiles and more.  Silica serves as the structural backbone of ceramic products helping to regulate expansion and shrinkage, ensuring ceramics dry properly and improving the overall durability of the ceramic items.

• Construction Materials

Silica sand (often called industrial sand when used for this purpose) is the main structural component in several construction products.  Flooring, mortars, cement, roofing tiles, asphalt and other industrial materials all use silica to improve durability and structural integrity.  As silica is resistant to weather, wear and corrosion, it is often used in caulk and as a sealant.  

What Is Silica Sand

Silica sand, also known as quartz sand,  or industrial sand, is made up of two main elements: silica and oxygen.  Specifically, silica sand is made up of silicon dioxide (Si02).  

The most common form of silica sand is quartz-a chemically inert and relatively hard mineral.  Silica sand grades at a 7 out of 10 on “Mohs hardness scale”, making it ideal for use as filtration media and for many other applications as stated above.

Silica sand can come in a wide range of shades, most of them a shade of white. Ours is a light buff or off-white color. The color of each sand deposit depends largely on the variety of minerals and rock detritus that make up the resource.  In order to be considered a silica sand the material must contain at least 95% silica.  If the sand does not meet these criteria, it will qualify as what is often called ‘regular’ sand. 

Comparing Silica and “Regular Sand”

Regular sand, also known as feldspathic sand or construction sand, will always contain some silica, but only in amounts less than 95%.  For example, typical sand used for concrete applications can contain up to 80% silica sand, along with varying amounts of iron, carbonate, potassium and other trace elements/minerals.

The ‘impurities’ make regular sand more chemically reactive and often darker in color when compared to silica sand.  The color for non-silica sands (regular sands) can be various shades; white, pink, green and black as well-depending on the geological makeup and geographic location of the sand deposit.

If you want to learn more, or if you are interested in ordering silica sand, get in touch with PFS Aggregates today to request a quote at 325.239.5239!