Heavy mineral sands are primarily used as raw feedstocks in industrial processes and as products themselves.
Heavy mineral sands are valuable resources extracted from ancient and modern beach deposits, where natural processes have sorted them by density. These sands contain economically important minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, and monazite. Their applications are diverse, serving as foundational materials or direct components in various industries.
- Raw Feedstocks: A major use of heavy mineral sands is providing essential raw materials for processing into other valuable substances or components. For example, ilmenite and rutile are sources of titanium, used in pigments and metals.
- Direct Products: In some cases, the refined heavy minerals themselves are used directly as products due to their unique properties.
Specific Uses of Heavy Minerals
The minerals separated from heavy mineral sands have distinct properties that make them suitable for specific high-value applications.
Based on the provided reference, one notable specific use is:
- Zircon: This durable mineral is particularly important. Zircon is used for control rods in nuclear reactors. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and its neutron-absorbing properties make it suitable for managing nuclear reactions.
Other uses (not explicitly mentioned in the provided reference but common for other minerals found in heavy sands) include titanium dioxide for pigments, titanium metal for aerospace and medical implants, and refractories.
Understanding the uses of heavy mineral sands highlights their significance in providing critical materials for modern technology and industry.
