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Send EmailSodium Feldspar, Albite, 12188-68-6
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Sodium Feldspar (Albite) |
| Mineral | Albite (Na-feldspar) |
| Form | Rock → ground to powder form |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 |
| Appearance | Translucent, hard mineral |
| CAS Number | 12188-68-6 |
| General Formula | XAl(1-2)Si(3-2)O₈ (X = Na, K, Ca) |
| Packaging | Commercially supplied in powder form for glaze recipes |
CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION:
Albite is the sodium-rich member of the plagioclase feldspar group. Its chemical formula is NaAlSi₃O₈, representing the sodium end-member in the ternary feldspar system (Na, K, Ca). It is one of the most important raw materials used as a flux, fluxing agent, and vitrifying agent in the ceramic industry. Its high Na₂O content lowers melting temperature, reduces water absorption, and enhances mechanical strength. It is the most widely traded feldspar type globally.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Quarry | Extracted by blasting from rock formations |
| 2. Crushing | Primary and secondary crushing processes |
| 3. Flotation | Beneficiation to remove iron and titanium minerals |
| 4. Drying | Drying of the concentrate |
| 5. Grinding | Micronized grinding to powder form |
| 6. Classification | Classification according to desired particle size |
| 7. Packaging | Commercial packaging |
Turkish Deposits: Aydın-Çine and Milas regions
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Translucent, hard mineral |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 |
| Density | ~2.62 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~1,100 – 1,200 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.527 – 1.530 |
| Crystal Structure | Triclinic |
| Color | White, gray, light blue, or greenish |
| Luster | Vitreous (glassy) |
| Component | Formula | Typical Ratio (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Oxide | Na₂O | 9 – 10.5 |
| Silicon Dioxide | SiO₂ | ~65 – 70 |
| Aluminum Oxide | Al₂O₃ | ~18 – 20 |
| Potassium Oxide | K₂O | < 1 |
| Calcium Oxide | CaO | < 1 |
| Iron Oxide | Fe₂O₃ | < 0.1 |
| Titanium Dioxide | TiO₂ | < 0.05 |
General Formula: XAl(1-2)Si(3-2)O₈ (X = Na, K, Ca)
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Fluxing Agent | Reduces melting temperature, providing energy savings |
| Water Absorption | Reduces water absorption, increasing tile strength |
| Economic Advantage | More economical compared to other alkalis |
| Structural Change | Forms bonds with silica, providing structural modification |
| Hardness | Hard mineral; used in ground powder form |
| Fluidity | Increases glaze fluidity |
| Brightness | Enhances surface brightness and gloss |
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Bodies | Reduces melting temperature; reduces water absorption; increases strength |
| Ceramic Glazes | Lowers melting point; increases thermal expansion coefficient; enhances surface brightness; increases fluidity |
| Enamel | Used as flux in enamel production |
| Frit | Raw material in frit production |
| Glass Production | Glass formulations |
| Porcelain | Porcelain manufacturing |
| Property | Albite (Na-feldspar) | Orthoclase (K-feldspar) | Anorthite (Ca-feldspar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | NaAlSi₃O₈ | KAlSi₃O₈ | CaAl₂Si₂O₈ |
| Na₂O | ~9-10.5% | < 1% | < 1% |
| K₂O | < 1% | ~10-14% | < 1% |
| CaO | < 1% | < 1% | ~18-20% |
| Melting Point | Low | Medium | High |
| Crystal System | Triclinic | Monoclinic | Triclinic |
| Commercial Use | Most common | Common | Limited |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Dry, enclosed area; protect from moisture |
| Storage Temperature | Room temperature |
| Keep Away From | Moisture, acids |
| Shelf Life | Unlimited (under proper storage) |
| Packaging | Bags, Big Bags, custom upon request |
Handling Notes:
Avoid dust formation
Avoid eye and respiratory contact
Use appropriate personal protective equipment
Excessive use in glaze recipes may cause waviness (undulation)
Personal Protective Equipment:
Dust mask (P2 or N95)
Safety goggles
Protective gloves
Protective clothing
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Not classified (not hazardous) |
| Toxicity | Low |
| Dust Inhalation | Dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation |
| Skin Contact | May cause mild irritation |
| Eye Contact | May cause mild irritation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified |
| Ecotoxicity | Low |
| Silica Content | May contain free crystalline silica (respiratory risk) |
SPECIAL WARNINGS:
Albite may contain free crystalline silica (quartz)
Dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation
Appropriate dust control measures should be taken
Thermal expansion coefficient should be considered in glaze recipes
Excessive use may cause surface waviness (undulation)
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Global Reserves | Highest commercial reserves are in Albite |
| Turkish Reserves | Decreasing due to intensive use |
| Cost Impact | Decreasing reserves will increase costs and global prices |
| Industry Impact | May direct ceramic manufacturers toward alternative raw materials |
| Alternatives | Nepheline Syenite, K-feldspar, Kaolin blends |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Ecotoxicity | Low |
| Bioaccumulation | Not expected |
| Environmental Impact | Low |
| Waste Management | Disposal according to local regulations |
| Recycling | Possible |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified as dangerous for transport |
| Hazard Class | Not classified |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Proper Shipping Name | Sodium Feldspar (Albite) |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| ADR/RID Label | None |
SUMMARY:
Albite (Sodium Feldspar) is the sodium-rich member of the plagioclase feldspar group. Its chemical formula is NaAlSi₃O₈, with a Mohs hardness of 7 and density of approximately 2.62 g/cm³. It is one of the most important raw materials used as a flux, fluxing agent, and vitrifying agent in the ceramic industry. Its high Na₂O content (9-10.5%) lowers melting temperature, reduces water absorption, and enhances mechanical strength.
Key Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Albite (Na-feldspar) |
| Formula | NaAlSi₃O₈ |
| CAS No | 12188-68-6 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 |
| Density | ~2.62 g/cm³ |
| Na₂O | 9 – 10.5% |
| Melting Point | ~1,100-1,200 °C |
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Fluxing Effect: Lowers melting temperature in ceramic bodies and glazes. Provides energy savings.
Reserve Status: Highest commercial reserves are in Albite. Turkish reserves are decreasing due to intensive use. Decreasing reserves will increase costs.
Thermal Expansion: Increases glaze thermal expansion coefficient. Requires controlled use.
Waviness Risk: Excessive use in glaze recipes may cause surface waviness (undulation).
Dust Control: Dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. Appropriate dust control measures should be taken.
Alternative Raw Materials: Due to decreasing reserves, ceramic manufacturers are turning to alternatives such as Nepheline Syenite, K-feldspar, or Kaolin blends.
Glaze Recipes: Albite usage in glaze recipes must be carefully formulated; excessive use may increase fluidity but also cause undulation and expansion issues.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Sodium Feldspar. Testing prior to use in glaze recipes is recommended.