Technical Application

Grain Size Classification

Grain Size Classification

Grain Size	Particle Diameter (mm)	Common Application
Fine Sand	0.075–0.425 mm	Glass manufacturing, plaster, water filtration.
Medium Sand	0.425–2 mm	Mortar, concrete, gravel packing in oil wells.
Coarse Sand	2–4.75 mm	Construction aggregates, backfill materials.

Mesh Classifications of Silica Sand.

Grain

Mesh Size	Particle Diameter (mm)	Common Application
4 – 10 mesh	2.00 – 4.75 mm	Sandblasting, concrete
10 – 20 mesh	0.85 – 2.00 mm	Water filtration
20 – 40 mesh	0.425 – 0.85 mm	Glassmaking, ceramics
40 – 70 mesh	0.212 – 0.425 mm	Foundry sand
70 – 140 mesh	0.106 – 0.212 mm	Frac sand, coatings
200+ mesh	< 0.075 mm	Paints, sealants

Types of Coloured Silica Sand.

Color	Composition Cause	Applications
White	High-purity silica, low Iron	Sandblasting, Concrete
Yellow	Iron oxide, clay minerals	Water Filtration
Black	Manganese, basaltic minerals	Foundry sand
Green	Glauconite, chlorite minerals	Frac sand, coatings
Red	High iron content (hematite)	Glassmaking, ceramics
Pink	Feldspar-rich silica	Paints, Sealants
Orange	Natural iron deposits	Artistic and architectural design

Applications of Mesh Sizes by Industry.

Mesh Size	Glass Manufacturing	Water Filtration	Construction
20/40	Specialty and container glass.	Gravel pack in water wells.	Concrete aggregates.
30/50	Flat glass, solar panels.	Sand filters for pools.	Plaster and mortar.
40/70	Fine optical glass.	Drinking water treatment.	Fine finishing.

Construction Standards.

1. Grain Size: 0.425–4.75 mm for mortar and concrete.
2. Fine sand (<0.425 mm) for plaster and finishing.
3. Silica Content: 50–85%, tolerating higher impurities than other industries.
4. Moisture Content: Should not exceed 5% for ease of mixing.

Water Filtration Standards.

1. Grain Size: 0.5–1.2 mm for municipal water filtration.
2. 1.2–2.5 mm for industrial filtration.
3. Uniform Coefficient: ≤1.5 for even flow rates.
4. Silica Content: ≥85% with low clay and silt content.

Glass Manufacturing Standards.

1. Grain Size: Typically 0.1–0.6 mm for high-purity glass.
2. Silica Content: ≥99.5% for clear and optical glass; 98–99.5% for standard glass.
3. Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃): Less than 0.03% for clear glass.
4. Alkalies and Impurities: Must be minimal to prevent defects in glass products.