Florida Geological Survey - Geologic Topics
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Identification: Quartz sand is a loose,
unconsolidated material of small grain size composed
primarily of the mineral quartz. Quartz is crystalline
silica, SiO2, and may be of any
color though generally in Florida quartz sand is colorless
or white. Regardless of color, however, the streak is always
white. Gravel is crystalline silica larger than 2
millimeters in diameter. The specific gravity of quartz is
2.65 and the hardness is 7.0
Occurrence: Though quartz sand is the most
abundant surface material in the state of Florida, the
deposits are not extensively developed. Gravel typically
occurs as river deposits.
Use: Quartz sand is used for making glass and
for grinding and polishing metals. Others uses are as
molding sand, blast sand, filler sand and fill sand. Gravel
is used in concrete products, as filtration material, road
base, asphalt additive, and for decorative purposes.
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