Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between quartz grit and quartz powder?
Quartz grit consists of larger, angular particles (0.1–5mm) suitable for applications requiring bed permeability and mechanical action — filtration media, foundry moulding, glass batch and construction systems. Quartz powder is finely milled (<100 µm) and used in ceramics, coatings, and chemical applications where a smoother finish is essential.
Why is electrical conductivity important in quartz grit?
Low electrical conductivity (<5 µS/cm) is critical for semiconductor and electronics-grade quartz. High conductivity indicates the presence of contaminants that can compromise device performance, yield rates, and reliability in high-precision manufacturing environments.
Is PIME's quartz grit suitable for the semiconductor supply chain?
Yes — as feedstock. Our quartz grit meets the purity (99.90%–99.99% SiO₂) and low-conductivity (<5 µS/cm) specifications required for the manufacture of quartz crucibles used in Czochralski silicon growth and fused-silica components used in semiconductor fabrication. Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis; third-party inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas or Intertek is available on request.
What grain sizes are available, and how do I choose the right one?
We offer four standard ranges: 0.1–0.4mm (fine), 0.4–0.7mm (medium), 0.7–1.25mm (coarse), and 0–5mm (very coarse), plus the graded silica sand cuts in the 0.1–1 mm band. Selection depends on your application: finer sizes for precision and glass-batch work, mid cuts for filtration beds and foundry moulding, coarser sizes for support layers and heavy-duty duty. Our technical team can recommend the optimal size for your needs.
What is the difference between quartz grit and silica sand?
Commercially, very little — both are graded silicon dioxide, and the terms are often used interchangeably in the trade. PIME uses them to separate two different jobs. Quartz grit refers to our ultra-high-purity grades, where SiO₂ of 99.90–99.99% and electrical conductivity below 5 µS/cm are the controlling parameters for crucible, fused-silica and solar-silicon feedstock. Graded silica sand refers to the 0.1–1 mm commercial band, where purity requirements are lower and what actually governs performance is grain size distribution, uniformity coefficient, roundness and acid solubility. Buying the electronics grade for a filter bed means paying for purity the application cannot use.
Can I use PIME silica sand for abrasive blasting in Australia?
No. Australian work health and safety law prohibits abrasive blasting with any medium containing more than 1% crystalline silica, and silica sand is effectively pure crystalline silica. This prohibition exists because blasting shatters the grains and generates very high concentrations of respirable crystalline silica, the direct cause of silicosis. Use a compliant alternative — garnet, slag, or an engineered abrasive. We would rather turn away the enquiry than supply into a prohibited use.
What does the 2024 crystalline silica regulation mean for handling this product?
Since 1 September 2024, processing a crystalline silica substance — defined as any material containing at least 1% crystalline silica — is regulated across all Australian industries, not just construction. Before cutting, grinding, drilling, crushing or polishing, a business must assess whether the processing is high risk; if it is, additional controls and a written silica risk control plan are required. The workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is 0.05 mg/m³ averaged over eight hours. Our SDS covers handling, and we can supply the crystalline silica content figure for your risk assessment.
Is your filtration sand suitable for drinking water?
Filtration grades are supplied against AS/NZS 4020 requirements for products in contact with drinking water where the application calls for it, with low acid solubility (≤ 2.0% HCl) so the media does not contribute dissolved solids to treated water. Specify your effective size and uniformity coefficient targets and we will grade to them — see our water filtration media guide for how those parameters drive filter bed performance.
