•  What is Feldspar mineral?

Feldspar is one of the most widespread types of silicates in the Earth's crust. Feldspar accounts for approximately 50% by weight of the Earth's crust. Feldspars are found in about 60% of igneous rocks, about 30% of metamorphic rocks, and 10% of sandstones and conglomerates. Feldspars are one of the most important igneous rock minerals.

• Feldspar classification:

Feldspars are divided into the following four groups based on their chemical composition:

1- Sodium feldspars

2- Sodium-barium feldspars

3- Sodium-potassium feldspars

4- Potassium feldspars

Potassium feldspars are mostly used as a melting aid and the main material for making glass and ceramic structures. Since the consumption of potassium feldspar is at a higher level, its economic value is higher than sodium feldspar.

• Applications of feldspar mineral:

Generally, the consumption of feldspars is 65% in the glass industry, 30% in the ceramic industry, 5% in the rubber and paint industry or other industries.

1. Glass industry: Feldspar is one of the important elements in glass production; Because it is known as a charging agent during melting and glass production, it reduces the melting temperature of quartz and contributes to the viscosity of glass.
2. In ceramic production: feldspar is the second most important material after clays. The use of feldspars to form a low temperature glass phase as a source of alkali and alumina in glazing is essential. Feldspars increase toughness and durability.
3. Fillers industry: Feldspar is used as fillers and additives in the paint, plastics and rubber industries. Beneficial properties of feldspars include good dispensability, anaerobic properties and high chemical properties, stable PH, high abrasion resistance, low viscosity in filler load, fracture index and cold resistance.
4. Enamel and glaze production industry: The use of feldspar helps to combine tooth enamel and guarantees the absence of defects and transparency of the final product. Feldspar is used in the production of enamel ferrite, in the production of ceramic tile glazes, in the production of ceramic pipes, in the production of electrical porcelain and in glazed gifts.
5. Other applications of feldspar: Other uses of feldspar in paint industry, production of light abrasives, production of urethane, production of latex foam, production of welding electrode coatings and production of floor covering.