Quartz

Quartz (CAS 14808-60-7, EC 238-878-4) is crystalline silicon dioxide, also referred to as SiO2 or alpha-quartz. It occurs naturally in mineral form and is distinct from amorphous silica by its ordered crystalline lattice structure. It carries no E-code designation and is not classified as a food additive.

In plastics and polymer compounding, quartz powder functions as a reinforcing filler, increasing hardness and dimensional stability by restricting polymer chain mobility. In electronics, high-purity grades serve as a dielectric substrate material, where crystalline structure determines electrical performance. In construction materials, it acts as a rheology modifier in cementitious systems, influencing flow and setting behaviour.

Quartz is supplied in milled powder grades of varying particle size distributions to suit specific processing requirements. It falls under REACH regulation and requires an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet given its classification as a respirable crystalline silica hazard. Standard packaging includes bulk bags and multi-wall paper sacks. HS code: 25061000.