Potassium Feldspar

Product

Potassium Feldspar

Potassium feldspar, also known as potash feldspar, is a significant mineral in the feldspar group, characterized by its high potassium content. It plays a crucial role in various industrial applications due to its unique properties and versatility.
Chemical Composition and Properties
  • Chemical Formula: KAlSi₃O₈
  • Color: Generally pink, salmon, or white; color can vary depending on impurities.
  • Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale
  • Specific Gravity: 2.56–2.59
  • Crystal System: Monoclinic or Triclinic
Potassium feldspar is distinct for its high potassium content compared to other feldspar varieties, such as sodium and calcium feldspar. It is commonly found in granite, syenite, and other igneous rocks, as well as in some metamorphic rocks.

We Are The Leading Industrial Factory

  1. Ceramics and Glass Production: Potassium feldspar is extensively used in the manufacture of ceramics and glass. It acts as a flux, lowering the melting temperature of raw materials and improving the product’s strength, durability, and aesthetic qualities. In glassmaking, it contributes to the glass’s clarity and quality.
  2. Pottery and Tile Manufacturing: The mineral’s fluxing properties make it valuable in pottery and tile production. It helps achieve smooth finishes and vibrant colors in ceramics and tiles.
  3. Filler and Extender: Potassium feldspar is used as a filler and extender in various industrial products, including paints, coatings, and plastics. It enhances the texture and performance of these materials.
  4. Geological Studies: In geology, potassium feldspar is studied for its role in rock formation and as a geochronological tool for dating geological events, particularly through methods like potassium-argon dating.
  5. Construction Materials: In the construction industry, potassium feldspar is utilized in the production of concrete and asphalt, where it contributes to the material’s strength and durability. 

Mining and Processing

Potassium feldspar is typically extracted through open-pit mining. The processing involves several steps:
  1. Crushing: The ore is crushed to reduce particle size.
  2. Grinding: The crushed material is ground to a fine powder.
  3. Flotation: Flotation techniques may be used to remove impurities and enhance purity.
  4. Classification: The processed material is classified based on particle size and quality.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The mining and processing of potassium feldspar have environmental considerations, including land use and resource management. Efforts are made to minimize environmental impact through responsible practices and technological advancements. Economically, potassium feldspar is highly valued for its applications across multiple industries, contributing to its demand and significance in the global market.
Minnovation Corp has Potassium Feldspar available in lumps, grains and fine powder.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIESPF01-APF01-BPF02PF03
Silica (SiO2)66±1 %67±1 %68±1 %70±2 %
Alumina (Al2O3)17±1 %16±1 %16±1 %15±1 %
Potassium Oxide (K2O)11.5±0.5 %11.5±0.5 %10.5±0.5 %7.0±1.0 %
Sodium Oxide (Na2O)2.5±0.5 %2.5±0.5 %3±0.5 %3.0±1.0 %
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3)< 0.05 %< 0.05 %< 0.07%< 0.1 %
Magnesium Oxide (MgO)< 0.30 %< 0.50< 0.50< 0.50
Titanium Oxide (TiO2)< 0.01 %< 0.02%< 0.02%< 0.5 %
Loss on Ignition LOI (950oC)< 1.00 %< 1.00 %< 1.00 %< 1.00 %
Fired Whiteness (1220 oC)55+50+55+50+
Potash Feldspar glaze
powder
Potassium Feldspar powder fired at 1220 degree C
Potash Feldspar Lumps
Potash Grit