Introduction to Aluminium Silicate

Aluminum silicate refers to compounds gotten from both aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide. Aluminum silicate generally has a molecular weight of 162 g/mol. There are various types of aluminum silicate, and these compounds could come in a natural or synthetic form. When aluminum silicate has no water added to it, it can be found in the form of minerals such as sillimanite, kyanite, and andalusite. These minerals have a common chemical formula (Al2SiO5) but can be differentiated by their crystal structure. When aluminum silicate is hydrated, it gives rise to Kaolin. Kaolin is a clay mineral. Its chemical formula is Al2O3.2SiO2.2H2O. The various forms of aluminum silicate have their unique properties and application.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Linghui sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Introduction to Aluminium Silicate

Andalusite

Andalusite is one of the naturally occurring forms of aluminum silicate. This form of aluminum silicate is usually found in metamorphic rocks. It is named after a community in Spain known as Andalusia. However, studies have shown that this mineral was originally found in, Guadalajara, a province in Spain. In recent times, commercial quantities of Andalusite have been found in Brazil, the United States of America, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka. Andalusite can be found in a wide range of colors. It could be gray, green, white, pink, yellow, or even violet. Like other aluminum silicate minerals, its chemical formula is Al2SiO5. However, it has an orthorhombic crystal lattice.

Kyanite

Kyanite is another form of aluminum silicate. This form of aluminum silicate is often found in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is also referred to as disthene or cyanite. Also, kyanite is more stable at high pressure than the other aluminum silicate minerals. As opposed to the other aluminum silicate compounds with its chemical formula, kyanite has a triclinic crystal system. The strength of kyanite is highly dependent on its direction. For instance, it shows more strength perpendicular to an axis and shows less strength parallel to the same axis. For this reason, it is described as anisotropic. This mineral compound usually appears blue. However, it can also appear green, white, or gray. Nepal, Tibet, Brazil, Kenya, the United States of America, and Russia are some places where Kyanites can be found.

Sillimanite

This tough aluminum silicate compound derived its name from an American chemist called Benjamin Silliman. It is usually stable under high temperatures. Sillimanite is usually gotten from sedimentary rocks. It has the same chemical formula as the other aluminum silicate minerals. Sillimanite has an orthorhombic crystal system. This mineral can occur in a wide range of colors. It can be colorless, green, yellow, brown, blue, or grey. Sillimanite occurs in a form known as fibrolite. This form of sillimanite is so named because it exists like bundles of twisted fibers. It can be found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Germany, Italy, and India.

Kaolin

This aluminum silicate is also called china clay. It is formed when aluminum silicate is hydrated. It commonly exists as a cream-colored claylike mass. Kaolin is flexible but it is not elastic. It usually has a dull appearance, unlike sillimanite, kyanite, and andalusite. It derives its name from a Chinese village called Gaoling. Kaolin is usually derived from soils formed from weathered rocks in humid places like tropical rainforests. It is usually found in countries such as South Africa, China, Malaysia, France, Pakistan, Tanzania, Brazil, Iran, and the United States of America. Kaolin has a wide range of uses in various parts of the world that will be discussed further along.

Uses of Aluminium Silicate

Refractory Bricks

Aluminum silicate polymorphs are used to produce refractory products. These bricks are made to withstand high temperatures without any damage. These bricks are usually used in furnaces and ovens.

Porcelain Fixtures

Aluminum silicate is used as a raw material in making porcelain fixtures. Kaolin is subjected to a high temperature to produce porcelain.

Jewelry

Andalusite, sillimanite, and kyanite are commonly used in making jewelry. This use can be attributed to their characteristic luster. Kyanite is especially appreciated for its blue color.

Cosmetics

In the cosmetic industry, aluminum silicate is used to make a wide range of products. It is used in the manufacture of face masks, face powders, and lotions. This is because aluminum silicate has a high absorbance for oil.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Aluminium Silicate Uses.

Medicine

Kaolin has a lot of important uses in medicine. It is used to promote blood clotting. In addition, it is used to treat diarrhea.

Filler

Aluminum silicate is used as a filler to add bulk to products in various industries. It is used as a filler in rubber, paper, ceramic, and drug manufacturing.

Pregnancy

In some parts of Africa such as Nigeria, Gabon, and Cameroun, pregnant women eat Kaolin for pleasure. It is a popular craving among pregnant women.

Conclusion

Aluminum silicate compound in its various forms is used in different industries. This makes it one of the most highly sought-after compounds.

Infobox on Aluminium Silicate Example of Aluminium Silicate Facts Origin Stowage factor (in m3/t)

• 1,2m3/t (bags)
• 1,1m3/t (bulk)

Humidity / moisture Ventilation Risk factors See text

Aluminium Silicate

Description

Aluminum silicate, also known as aluminium silicate, is a mixture of aluminum, silica, and oxygen that can be either a mineral, or combined with water to form a clay. It can also combine with other elements to form various other minerals or clays. Some of these forms are used medicinally and industrially. They retain their strength at high temperatures — a property known as being refractory. Some of the minerals are used as gemstones.

Mineral aluminum silicate comes in three different forms — kyanite, andalusite, or sillimanite. They all have the chemical formula Al2SiO5, but they have different crystal structures. All three forms are rarely found in the same rock, because each occurs under different conditions of pressure and temperature. Only kyanite and sillimanite are used industrially.

Kyanite is unusual in that its hardness varies, depending on the direction of the crystals. Some of the crystals are similar to blue sapphires and are used as gemstones. Kyanite is also used in the making of the frequently used industrial compound mullite. This compound has the chemical formula 3Al2O3.2SiO2. It is used as a refractory in the ceramics industry and in the manufacture of many things, including high voltage electrical insulations, glass, and heating elements.

Sillimanite can also be used as a refractory. It is used in a variety of industries. These include glass-making, ceramics, cement, iron foundries, and metal smelting.

Aluminum silicate can be hydrated, or have water molecules associated with it. In this case, it forms a clay. Kaolin is the term for a group of clay minerals with the chemical formula of Al2O3.2SiO2.2H20. It forms a layer of two alternating crystals — one of silicon-oxygen and one of alumina. Kaolinite is the main constituent of kaolin.

Kaolin has been used for many years to control diarrhea and to dry poison ivy and poison oak rashes. It has also been used to treat diaper rash. Commercially, it has been important in the ceramics industry, particularly for the production of fine porcelain. It is also used to manufacture cement, bricks, and insulators, among other things.

Another aluminum silicate compound found as a mineral and as a clay is magnesium aluminum silicate, which is composed of magnesium, aluminum, silica, and oxygen. In its mineral form, it is a type of garnet called pyrope. It is often used as a gemstone, and is the only garnet to always be red in color. Its chemical formula is Mg3Al2(SiO4)3, although there are frequently trace amounts of other elements present.

The hydrated form of magnesium aluminum silicate is a mixture of clays. This purified mixture is commonly used as an antacid. It is also used as a thickener in beauty products and cosmetics, and as an inactive ingredient in deodorants.

Sodium aluminum silicate is also referred to as sodium aluminosilicate and is composed of sodium, aluminum, silica, and oxygen. Two minerals of this type are albite and jadeite. Albite has the chemical formula of NaAlSi3O8, while that of jadeite is NaAlSi2O6. Albite is common in Earth’s crust, and breaks down under pressure to form jadeite and quartz. Jadeite is one of the types of minerals that make up the gemstone jade.

There is an industrial form of sodium aluminosilicate, known as synthetic amorphous sodium aluminosilicate, that contains water. This is a series of compounds and does not have a fixed chemical composition. It is used as an additive in powdered foods to keep lumps from forming.

Synthetic zeolites are prepared from sodium aluminosilicate. These are minerals that are very porous, and are used commercially as adsorbents. They are used primarily as laundry detergents, although they have a variety of other industrial uses.

See also China Clay

Application

Same as for clay i.e. ceramic products, refractories, colloidal suspensions, oil-well drilling fluids, filler for rubber and plastic products, films, paper coating, decolorizing oils, temporary molds, filtration, carrier in insecticidal sprays, catalyst support.

Shipment / Storage

Mostly shipped in multiple paper bags. To be handled carefully and to be kept absolutely dry.

Risk factors

• Moisture damage
• Contamination/defilement
• Dusts may be irritant to nose and throat. Suspensions of dust are a fire hazard.
  
  

Reference is made to the relevant IMO publications of hazardous cargo.

Are you interested in learning more about Rockwool Pipe? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!