Identification and characterization of the quality of silica sand resources from Munda Gucha, district Mansehra, in glass making
Abstract
The silica sand deposit of Munda Gucha area occurring in the quartzose rock of Tannawal Formation, district Mansehra, has been mapped and sampled for identification and characterization of its quality for glass making. Petrographic, geochemical and field studies show that the Munda Gucha silica sand deposit has tremendous potentials as a source of silica sand for glass, steel, soap and ceramic industries. With previous studies suggesting an inferred reserve of 70 million metric tons and an average SiO2 between 90-95%, the present data has enhanced the average SiO2 to 95.21 %. Samples collected from the snow white zone of Bela Sukian block along Munda Gucha-Jacha road have maximum SiO2 content of 99.78% and those from Mohri have 98.84%, Proving to be useful in manufacturing of first quality optical glass. On the basis of grain size (0.3 to 0.5 mm in diameter) the Munda Gucha silica sand stands the best standard known in Pakistan. It is concluded that the deposit has tremendous potentials as a source of silica sand for glass, steel, soap and ceramic industries. Simple or very dilute acidic washing is suggested for the removal of Fe2O3 because of its occurrence as surfacial iron leaching.
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