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Wollastonite, Calcium Metasilicate, Calcium Silicate, 1344-95-2

Wollastonite, Calcium Metasilicate, Calcium Silicate, 1344-95-2

WOLLASTONITE (CaSiO₃)

1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Description
Product Name Wollastonite
Chemical Formula CaSiO₃
CAS Number 1344-95-2
EC Number 215-669-4
Mineral System Monoclinic / Triclinic
Natural Appearance Needle or blade-shaped crystal aggregates, fibrous structure
Color White, cream, gray (depending on impurities)
Luster Vitreous, translucent
Molecular Weight 116 g/mol

CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION:

Wollastonite is a calcium metasilicate mineral. It is characterized by needle or blade-shaped crystal aggregates and a fibrous structure. Due to its high whiteness, low oil absorption, low thermal expansion coefficient, and asbestos-like fibrous structure, it is a safe mineral that can be used as an alternative to asbestos. It is widely used in ceramic, paint, plastic, rubber, glass, and refractory industries.

2. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Component Formula Theoretical Ratio (%) Typical Ratio (%)
Calcium Oxide CaO 48.3 ~45 – 48
Silicon Dioxide SiO₂ 51.7 ~48 – 52
Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃ - < 1
Iron Oxide Fe₂O₃ - < 0.5
Magnesium Oxide MgO - < 1
Manganese Oxide MnO - < 0.1

Possible Substitution Elements: Fe, Mn, Mg

3. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value
Hardness (Mohs) 4.5 – 5
Specific Gravity 2.8 – 3.09 g/cm³
Molecular Weight 116 g/mol
Melting Point 1,540 °C
Thermal Expansion Coefficient 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ mm/°C
Solubility in Water 0.0095 g/100 ml
Moisture Content Max. 4%
Refractive Index α = 1.616–1.640, β = 1.628–1.650, γ = 1.631–1.653
Whiteness ≥ 90%
pH ~9-10

4. MINERALOGICAL PROPERTIES (BY QUALITY GRADE)

Quality Grade Wollastonite Content Whiteness Special Conditions
Paint Grade ≥ 90% ≥ 90% -
Plastic/Filler Grade ≥ 95% ≥ 90% -
Ceramic/Glaze Grade ≥ 95% ≥ 90% -
Ceramic Grade ≥ 90% - Max. 4% loss on ignition, max. 0.3% Fe₂O₃
Metallurgical Grade ≥ 80% - 1% Al₂O₃, S/P ratio 0.02
Mineral Wool Grade - - Aspect ratio ≥ 20:1

5. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Sector Application
Ceramic Industry Prevents cracking, fracture, and thermal expansion; accelerates drying; provides fuel savings
Paint Industry Bright whiteness, smooth surface, low oil absorption
Plastic/Rubber Low viscosity, low dielectric constant, strength enhancer
Abrasives Strength enhancer in discs and grinding wheels
Mineral Wool Sound and heat insulation as asbestos replacement
Glass Industry Additive for brightness and durability
Agriculture Soil conditioner, yield enhancer
Refractories High-temperature refractory materials
Adhesives Adhesive formulations

6. WOLLASTONITE IN THE CERAMIC SECTOR

Application Benefit
Low Thermal Expansion Prevents glaze and body cracking
Rapid Drying Shortens drying time
Fuel Savings Energy efficiency due to low melting temperature
Mechanical Strength Increases fracture resistance
Whiteness Provides high whiteness
Asbestos Alternative Safe fibrous structure

7. STATUS IN TURKEY

Parameter Information
Annual Ceramic Consumption 7,000 – 8,000 tons
Imports 500 – 1,000 tons (mostly from China)
Potential Reserves Kırşehir Kaman (~8 million tons calcite + wollastonite), Yozgat area possible formations
Current Status No industrial-grade production; quarries not operational
Import Sources China, India, USA, Mexico

8. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Dry, enclosed area; protect from moisture
Storage Temperature Room temperature
Keep Away From Moisture, strong acids
Shelf Life Unlimited (under proper storage)
Packaging 25 kg bags, Big Bags, custom upon request
Handling Notes Avoid dust formation; avoid eye and respiratory contact

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Dust mask (P2 or N95)

  • Safety goggles

  • Protective gloves

  • Protective clothing

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

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
Asbestos Comparison Can be used as asbestos replacement; safer for health

SPECIAL ADVANTAGES:

  • Can be used as asbestos replacement; safer for health

  • Natural mineral, low toxicity

  • High whiteness

  • Low oil absorption

10. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Parameter Information
Ecotoxicity Low
Bioaccumulation Not expected
Environmental Impact Low
Waste Management Disposal according to local regulations
Recycling Possible

11. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not classified as dangerous for transport
Hazard Class Not classified
Packing Group Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name Wollastonite
Marine Pollutant No
ADR/RID Label None

12. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Wollastonite (CaSiO₃) is a calcium metasilicate mineral characterized by needle or blade-shaped crystal aggregates and a fibrous structure. It has a Mohs hardness of 4.5-5, specific gravity of 2.8-3.09 g/cm³, and melting point of 1,540 °C. Due to its high whiteness, low oil absorption, low thermal expansion coefficient, and asbestos-like fibrous structure, it is a safe mineral that can be used as an alternative to asbestos.

Key Properties:

Property Value
Formula CaSiO₃
CAS No 1344-95-2
Hardness (Mohs) 4.5 – 5
Specific Gravity 2.8 – 3.09 g/cm³
Melting Point 1,540 °C
Molecular Weight 116 g/mol
Thermal Expansion 6.5 × 10⁻⁶ mm/°C

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  1. Asbestos Alternative: Despite its asbestos-like fibrous structure, wollastonite is a safe mineral and can be used as an alternative to asbestos.

  2. Ceramic Advantages: In the ceramic sector, it prevents cracking, fracture, and thermal expansion; accelerates drying; provides fuel savings.

  3. Status in Turkey: No industrial-grade production; quarries are not operational. Annual consumption of 7,000-8,000 tons with 500-1,000 tons imported.

  4. Quality Grades: Different quality grades are available depending on the application (paint, plastic, ceramic, metallurgical, mineral wool).

  5. Dust Control: Wollastonite dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. Appropriate dust control measures should be taken.

  6. Reserve Status: Approximately 8 million tons of potential reserves exist in the Kırşehir Kaman region.

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 Wollastonite. Testing prior to use in glaze recipes and ceramic formulations is recommended.

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