INDUSTRIAL MINERALS
Silica Sand from Iraq
Quartz-rich silica sand from Iraq’s Western Desert, sourced for glass, foundry, filtration and construction buyers and matched to your chemistry, grain size and packing.
- Mineral
- Quartz (SiO₂)
HS code 2505.10 - Grades
- Glass · Foundry
Filtration · Construction - Terms
- Sea: FOB · CFR · CIF
Road: FCA · CPT · DAP
OVERVIEW
Iraqi Silica Sand Supply
Silica sand is a natural quartz sand made up mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Its value to industry lies in its chemistry, especially low iron, and in a controlled grain size, which together decide whether a sand suits glassmaking, foundry moulds, water filtration or building products.
Iraq’s silica sand comes from quartz sandstone formations in the Western Desert, in Anbar Province, where white glass sand has supplied the country’s glass industry for decades. The deposits consist mainly of rounded quartz grains with small amounts of clay and calcite, which washing and screening can reduce.
Chemistry and grain size vary between deposits and processing routes. PETROXIUM works with qualified Iraqi silica sand suppliers to match each enquiry to the buyer’s SiO₂, iron oxide and grain-size requirements, packing and destination, subject to laboratory analysis, available quantity and applicable export requirements.
SPECIFICATIONS
Silica Sand Specifications and Quality Parameters
The parameters confirmed for each cargo. Values are set by the supplier’s certificate of analysis and your specification.
Chemical composition · Confirmed per source and per cargo
| Property | Test method | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silica (SiO₂) | XRF / ASTM C146 | % wt | Per supplier COA |
| Iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) | XRF / ICP | % wt | Per supplier COA |
| Alumina (Al₂O₃) | XRF / ICP | % wt | Per supplier COA |
| Titania (TiO₂) | XRF / ICP | % wt | Per supplier COA |
| Calcium oxide (CaO) and MgO | XRF | % wt | Per supplier COA |
| Loss on ignition (LOI) | gravimetric | % wt | Per supplier COA |
| Moisture | oven drying | % wt | Per supplier COA |
Grain size and physical properties · Confirmed per source and per cargo
| Property | Test method | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain size range | sieve analysis | mm / mesh | To buyer specification |
| AFS grain fineness number | AFS sieve method | AFS | Foundry enquiries |
| Clay content | wash test | % wt | Per supplier COA |
| Grain shape | microscopy | – | Sub-rounded to rounded quartz |
| Bulk density | standard method | t/m³ | Per supplier COA |
| Colour | visual | – | White to off-white |
Specifications are confirmed for each enquiry and do not constitute a guaranteed product offer. Final quality parameters, including SiO₂, iron oxide, alumina, grain size and moisture, are subject to supplier confirmation and independent laboratory analysis, and the acceptance criteria are agreed for each transaction.
Send Your Specification
Silica sand is bought to a specification, so the fastest route to an offer is yours: minimum SiO₂, maximum Fe₂O₃ and Al₂O₃, the mesh range or AFS number, moisture, and whether you need washed, dried or as-mined sand. PETROXIUM checks it against available Iraqi sources and confirms what can be supplied, with samples and a certificate of analysis before contract.
APPLICATIONS
Where Silica Sand Is Used
Each industry buys a different grade; iron content and grain size decide the fit.
Glass Manufacturing
The main raw material for container glass, flat glass and glass fibre. Glassmakers set strict limits on iron oxide, which tints the glass.
Low ironWashedFoundry Sand
Moulds and cores for metal casting. Foundries specify grain fineness (AFS number), rounded grains and low clay for good permeability.
Graded AFSDriedWater Filtration
Filter media for municipal water, swimming pools and industrial treatment, supplied in closely sized fractions.
Sized fractionsConstruction and Dry Mix
Dry-mix mortars, tile adhesives, grouts, epoxy flooring and precast concrete use graded silica sand for strength and finish.
GradedDriedCeramics and Tiles
A source of silica in ceramic bodies, tiles, sanitaryware and glazes, usually as fine sand or ground silica flour.
Fine sandChemicals and Fillers
Feedstock for sodium silicate and other silica chemicals, and a filler in paints, coatings and sealants.
WashedFine sand
PROCESSING AND SUPPLY OPTIONS
From As-Mined to Graded Silica Sand
Each application needs a different level of processing. The option is matched to your specification and confirmed with the supplier for each enquiry.
As-Mined Sand
Quarried and loaded without further treatment; suited to construction and other uses with wider tolerances.
Washed and Low-Iron
Washing removes clay, fines and calcite; further beneficiation lowers iron oxide for glass-grade requirements.
Screened and Graded
Screened into agreed size fractions or AFS grades for foundry, filtration and dry-mix products.
Dried Sand
Dried to low moisture for foundry moulds, dry-mix mortars and bagged supply.
PACKAGING AND LOADING
Bulk Silica Sand Supply, Packing and Transportation
Silica sand export from Iraq runs by sea or overland. Choose the packing that fits your volume and handling equipment, and the route that fits your market.
Loose in Bulk
Loaded loose into bulk carriers or tipper trucks; the lowest cost per tonne for large, regular buyers.
Jumbo Bags
Woven polypropylene bags for container shipping and overland trucking, lifted by forklift or crane.
Small Bags
For graded and dried sand and smaller users, palletised and loaded in containers.
Handling and Dust
Fine silica dust should not be inhaled. Covered loading, dust control and suitable respiratory protection keep handling safe.
Packing availability depends on the grade, supplier facilities and order quantity. Jumbo bags, smaller bags and container loading are arranged subject to supplier confirmation and destination requirements.
Export routes
By sea
Umm Qasr and Khor Al-Zubair
Bulk or containerised cargoes on FOB, CFR or CIF terms, subject to the agreed loading port.
Overland to Jordan
Through Trebil
Trucks or containers from the Western Desert to Jordanian buyers or to Aqaba, on FCA, CPT or DAP terms.
Overland to Turkey
Through Ibrahim Khalil
Trucks or containers to Turkish buyers or to Mersin and İskenderun, on FCA, CPT or DAP terms.
Silica sand ships as loose bulk cargo or in bags and containers. Shipment arrangements depend on grade, moisture, packing and destination regulations; routes and terms are confirmed for each enquiry.
QUALITY
Samples and Independent Inspection
Samples and a certificate of analysis are provided before contract. Independent quality and quantity inspection can be arranged at loading through a mutually agreed inspection company, such as SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas, according to the contract terms.
- Sampling at loadingComposite samples are drawn from the stockpile, bags or cargo being loaded.
- Laboratory testingTested for SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, Al₂O₃, moisture and particle size distribution.
- Certificates issuedQuality and weight certificates are issued before the documents are released.
DOCUMENTS
Export Documentation
Documentation depends on the destination country, applicable regulations and the agreed Incoterms® 2020.
- Certificate of analysis
- Particle size distribution report
- Certificates of quality and weight
- Certificate of origin
- Safety data sheet (SDS)
- Bill of lading or CMR
- Commercial invoice and packing list
HOW SOURCING WORKS
From Enquiry to Shipment
Send Your Specification
Chemistry, grain size, quantity, packing and destination.
We Check Supply
Sources, samples and analysis are confirmed with qualified Iraqi suppliers.
Offer and Contract
Terms are agreed and the contract is signed with the supplier.
Inspection and Shipment
Independent inspection at loading, then shipment as agreed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Silica Sand
What is silica sand?
Silica sand, also called quartz sand or industrial sand, is sand composed mainly of quartz grains (silicon dioxide, SiO₂). Unlike ordinary building sand, it is valued for its chemical purity and controlled grain size, which make it suitable for glass, foundry, filtration and industrial uses.
Is silica sand the same as silicon?
No. Silica sand consists mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) in the form of quartz grains. Silicon metal is a different product, made by smelting high-purity silica at very high temperatures. Silica sand is used directly in glassmaking, foundries, filtration, ceramics and construction, depending on its specification.
Where does Iraqi silica sand come from?
Iraq’s main silica sand deposits are in the Western Desert, in Anbar Province, within quartz sandstone formations around Rutba. White glass sand from this area has long supplied Iraq’s domestic glass industry.
Which grades can you source?
Enquiries are matched for glass, foundry, filtration, construction and ceramics grades. Because each grade depends on the source and on processing such as washing, screening and drying, we confirm the achievable SiO₂, iron oxide and grain size against your specification before making an offer.
Can I get samples and a certificate of analysis?
Yes. Samples and a certificate of analysis from the supplier, including chemistry and particle size distribution, are shared before contract, and independent inspection can be arranged at loading.
What is the HS code for silica sand?
Silica sand and quartz sand are classified under HS code 2505.10 (silica sands and quartz sands). Your customs broker confirms the full national tariff code at destination.
What is the minimum order?
Minimum quantities depend on the grade, packing, supplier availability and shipping arrangements. Bagged sand is usually ordered by the container or truck load, and bulk supply is agreed per contract.
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