Silica Sand – A Common Abrasive Mineral for Sandblasting

There are several variants of media to be used for sandblasting processes depending on application-requirement and usage. This largely depends on the kind of surfaces that are being worked on, to help you choose what kind of medium to use for abrading purposes.

Sandblasting machines force sand and other abrasive particles to be driven by a jet of compressed air or water. Conventionally, filtered common sand had been in use and commercial grade sand can yet be bought from hardware stores to do the job. Using raw beach sand has pitfalls though.

The silica content of the sand poses health hazards and also the salt content leaves a deposit on surfaces. Beach sand needs to be washed thoroughly before use. Also since it breaks down on use it can be used just once or twice unless it is a very hard variety. Remember darker sands are harder than lighter sands.

Silica sand remains more commonly used as a mineral abrasive. But because it breaks up quickly it creates large quantities of dust thereby exposing operators to risk of silicosis - a debilitating lung disease. There are other abrasive blasting materials for tasks ranging from heavier to lighter applications with substances like glass, garnet, walnut or coconut shells and even dry ice.

By and large silica sand remains a common choice as abrasive blasting material. To counter the hazard it is usually coated with resins to control the dust. Also operators performing tasks using silica sand need to make use of protective gear and clothing to safeguard their health. Silica sand is an inexpensive way to go.