Profound Role of Specialty Minerals in Industrial Sector

From plastic, rubber, textile, paper, adhesive and paints that give color to the world, to paper that sets thought in motion, specialty minerals play a vital role in innumerable industries and thus, reaching to the lives of millions, every day. This account on specialty minerals sheds light on some of the major minerals available worldwide.

Barium Sulfate is found in nature as barium salt of sulfuric acid and in form of crystals with high density. Because of its high density it is also called as Barite (heavy spar . The crystals of barium sulfate can range from white, red to brown with subject to the minerals found around it since in most occasions it is found in association with Sandstone and !ematite. "haracteristically, barium sulfate is insoluble in water, bases and acids. The compounds of this mineral are even opa#ue to x$rays. %ue to these properties, it is widely used in medical procedures.

Feldspar &et another popular mineral is feldspar. 'vailable in earth(s crust in abundance, feldspar is found in metamorphic roc)s along with igneous roc)s. *t belongs to the group of silicate minerals and many different members such as silicon and oxygen are categori+ed under this group. The other commonly present members are potassium, calcium and sodium. ,ajor application of feldspar is in manufacturing of wall and floor tiles as well as dinnerware. The production of glass and ceramic re#uires feldspar in the form of flux.

Soapstone Scientifically, soapstone is )nown as steatite. Soapstone is a soft and easily$carved roc) which is found in different colors such as brown, green and gray. Salient features of soapstone includes smooth surface, soft in texture and heat and stain resistant. These stri)ing properties ma)e soapstone an ideal raw material for numerous applications. Today, soapstone is the desired material for )itchen countertops. -atural acids in wines and citrus juices can damage countertops made from other materials but soapstone remains completely impervious to them.

Kaolin "alcined )aolin, synthesi+ed by calcination process, is anhydrous aluminum silicate having enhanced whiteness, hardness and electrical properties. "haracteristics of )aolin li)e color, softness, viscosity and particle si+e has made it popular for diverse industrial sectors. *t finds numerous applications in rubber, paint and ceramic industry. *t is used as a pigment in these industries.

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