Location: Ekiti, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, and Oyo states.
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth’s crust after feldspar. It occurs in nearly all acid igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is an essential mineral in such silica-rich felsic rocks as granites, granodiorites, and rhyolites. It is highly resistant to weathering and tends to concentrate in sandstones and other detrital rocks. Secondary quartz serves as a cement in sedimentary rocks of this kind, forming overgrowths on detrital grains. Microcrystalline varieties of silica known as chert, flint, agate, and jasper consist of a fine network of quartz. Metamorphism of quartz-bearing igneous and sedimentary rocks typically increases the amount of quartz and its grain size.
Quartz exists in two forms: (1) alpha-, or low, quartz, which is stable up to 573 °C (1,063 °F), and (2) beta-, or high, quartz, stable above 573 °C. The two are closely related, with only small movements of their constituent atoms during the alpha-beta transition.
Some Quartz crystals possess piezoelectric property, which is the ability to generate electric potential when subjected to mechanical stress.
Quartz is one of the hardest naturally occurring minerals and hence can not be corroded easily.
It has a very high melting point and can withstand critically high temperatures.
It is chemically stable and does not react with other chemicals and substances.
Quartz crystals are visually attractive and can be found in different colors. Although naturally transparent, they are found in various colors according to the presence of impurities.
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For centuries, quartz has been used in jewelry production and as gemstones. The hard, polishable, crystalline and durable nature of quartz make it an excellent material for this purpose. The varieties of quartz popularly used as jewelry and gemstones include Citrine, Amethyst, Ametrine, rose quartz, Aventurine, and Opal.
Glassmaking is one of the primary uses of quartz. Glass is manufactured from a chemical compound known as Silica dioxide (SiO2) (a colorless crystalline compound found as quartz, sand or flint). This silica dioxide (which must be 99.9% exceptionally pure) is melted and allowed to cool down into whichever shape or dimension desired.
Quartz crystals contain oscillators that possess the ability to vibrate at precise frequencies that helps to regulate the movement of the watch or clock, thereby making them accurate timepieces. Quartz crystals possess the piezoelectric effect (the ability to produce electricity when subjected to mechanical stress) which is also used to keep a tab on time.
Quartz sand is often blended with cohesive agents such as clay, resin sodium silicate, and oil, and used for the purpose of molding and metal casting. The properties of quartz sand such as high melting point, high strength and refractoriness help in the process of metal casting. Also, microcrystalline quartz is used to smoothen out crude edges on metals after they are cut, cast or drilled.
Quartz sand is used in the production of refractory bricks because of its sheer strength and resistance to heat. It is also used as a flux to smelt out crude edges on metals after they have been cast, cut or drilled.
Due to its hardness (it is harder than most natural minerals), and resistance to corrosion, quartz sand is considered a wonderful abrasive. Also, it is used for sandblasting, glass grinding media, scouring cleansers (powder), and sanding and sawing grit.
Laboratory Crucibles are the containers that are used for holding chemicals when chemical or thermal tests are performed. Quartz has a very high melting point and is chemically inert, and so, is employed into making quartz crucibles that are used in the laboratories for performing chemical reactions and tests.
Just like in the production of wristwatches and clocks, quartz crystals are also used in electronics because it generates current on its surface when bent or compressed. Quartz crystals have been used for years to give an accurate frequency for all radio transmitters, radio receivers, GPS transmitters, and computers.
Quartz sand is used in the ceramic industry for making ceramic tiles. The silica present in the sand helps in providing white color to the ceramic ware and helps in making the ceramic body.
