Florida Geological Survey - Geologic Topics
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Identification: Quartz sand is a loose, unconsolidated
material of small grain size composed primarily of the
mineral quartz. Quartz is crystalline silica, SiO2, and may
be of any color though generally in Florida quartz sand is
colorless or white. Regardless of color, however, the streak
is always white. Gravel is crystalline silica larger than 2
millimeters in diameter. The specific gravity of quartz is
2.65 and the hardness is 7.0
Occurrence: Though quartz sand is the most abundant
surface material in the state of Florida, the deposits are
not extensively developed. Gravel typically occurs as river
deposits.
Use: Quartz sand is used for making glass and for grinding
and polishing metals. Others uses are as molding sand, blast
sand, filler sand and fill sand. Gravel is used in concrete
products, as filtration material, road base, asphalt
additive, and for decorative purposes.
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