mineral · input
High-purity silica sand (>99.5% SiO₂, Fe₂O₃ <0.015%) used as the primary glass-forming oxide (~73% of batch by weight). Glass-grade silica is significantly purer than industrial or foundry-grade sand; specific particle size distribution controls melting uniformity. Major glass sand deposits in Illinois, West Virginia, and Florida (US); Germany's Quarzwerke is a major European supplier.
12
Source countries
2
Companies
3
Goods affected
0
Claims on record
What depends on it
3 essential American goods rely on silica sand (glass-grade) somewhere upstream in their supply chain.
Materials
Glass and windows
Flat glass for construction windows, auto windshields, containers, and specialty applications.
Home
Tableware & dishware
Plates, glassware, and flatware in ceramic, glass, and stainless; China leads, with European premium brands.
Home
Home décor
Frames, mirrors, candles, vases, and artificial plants; overwhelmingly Chinese-made.
Where it comes from
Share of global supply, by country.
| Country | Share of supply |
|---|---|
| USUnited States | 30% |
| CNChina | 25% |
| NLNetherlands | 16% |
| DEGermany | 8% |
| AUAustralia | 8% |
| TRTurkey | 3% |
| FRFrance | 3% |
| ITItaly | 3% |
| INIndia | 3% |
| BGBulgaria | 2% |
| RURussia | 2% |
| ESSpain | 1% |
Who makes it
2 companies produce silica sand (glass-grade).
Largest US producer of commercial silica products including glass-grade sand; mines in Illinois, West Virginia, Texas. Supplies flat glass producers, container glass, and oil & gas (frac sand). Acquired by Apollo Global Management 2024 (take-private).
Major North American glass tableware manufacturer (foodservice + retail); one of the largest Western glassware makers, energy-exposed via gas furnaces.
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