What Is Garnet Sand?
Garnet sand is a semi-precious sand that contains the gem garnet in small particles along with other minerals and materials. The sand has a wide use in industrial applications, in sandblasting, water filtration and as a non-slip surface for floors. Garnet sand is typically sold in 50-lb bags and is available at some home improvement stores.
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Description
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Garnet sand is a mixture of several different minerals and materials. The garnet sand pieces are small, angled and made from many different colors--brown, red, white, tan, black and even pink. Most pieces in garnet sand are between 8 and 300 micrometers--the smaller the pieces, the less abrasive.
Materials
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Iron aluminum silicate, silicone oxide, magnesium oxide, free silica, calcium oxide, iron oxide and manganese oxide are usually the main components that make garnet sand. Three main types of garnet are iron garnet, aluminum garnet and chromium garnet.
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Uses
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One of the main uses for the sand is a replacement for silica in sand blasting. Garnet sand is often used as a water filtration medium, because it is able to trap small particles of contaminants between the angles of the sand. Garnet sand provides a non-slip surface on walkways and staircases. Garnet sand is used to cut metal when combined with high-pressure water sprays. Some forms of garnet sand are used to make sandpaper. Garnet sand is used for glass and metal polishing.
Properties
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Garnet sand is brittle, and fractures easily. This is how so many different grades of garnet sand are produced. The density of garnet sand per pound is 150. Garnet sand melts between 1250 to 1315 degrees Celsius. The sand is very hard and tough, and rates an 8 or 9 on the hardness scale.
Warning
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Because garnet sand contains many small particles, there are some health risks involved with working with garnet sand. If the sand is inhaled, it can cause respiratory irritation. The dust can cause irritation to the eyes, and may cause rashes on the skin. Chronic respiratory disease may become a problem after long-term exposure to the sand.
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References
- Photo Credit crystal of garnet image by Alexander Maksimov from Fotolia.com
