Aplite A/3

Oxide	Analysis	Formula
CaO	1.20%	0.15
MgO	0.80%	0.14
K2O	7.00%	0.54
Na2O	1.40%	0.16
TiO2	0.28%	0.03
Al2O3	16.00%	1.14
SiO2	71.00%	8.55
Fe2O3	0.70%	0.03
LOI	1.50%	n/a
SO3	0.10%	n/a
Oxide Weight		712.22
Formula Weight		723.80

Notes

Aplite A/3 is extracted from an open pit terraced mine in the metal-bearing Tuscany hills. The production process extends from the quarry to the plant, where the material is crushed and reduced to the mercantile grain sizes.

Aplite is used almost exclusively as a flux in single-fired ceramic tile production. It is a unique product in that it contains almost all the components of the ceramic mix: the clay fraction, sodium and potassium feldspars, and quartz. It has a wider sintering range than pure sodium feldspar. In a trend towards shorter and shorter firing times, this property facilitates degassing of the mixture. The Italian market for single-fired ceramics has witnessed a consolidation in the use of aplite in production for its advantages regarding the quality of the finished products.

Related Information

Links

Minerals	Quartz Quartz is the most abundant mineral on earth, it is the main crystalline mineral form of silica (SiO
Minerals	K-Feldspar Most common feldspars contain both sodium and potassium. The term K-Feldspar designates one where th
Minerals	Na-Feldspar Most common feldspars contain both sodium and potassium. The term Na-Feldspar designates one where t
Minerals	Aplite An intrusive rock in which quartz and feldspar are the dominant minerals.
Typecodes	Aluminum Silicate Materials not classifiable as commonly known aluminum silicates. For example, kaolin is a common aluminum silicate.

Data

Bulk Density g/cc (Packed)	1.4
Hardness (Moh)	6.5
Ultimate Particle Size Distribution	0-6mm
Density (Specific Gravity)	2.6
pH for dry powder	8-9

By Tony Hansen
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