Zirconium(IV) silicate

Chembox new
Name = Zirconium(IV) silicate
ImageFile = zirconium(IV) silicate.jpg
ImageName = Zirconium(IV) silicate
OtherNames = zirconium orthosilicate
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
CASNo = 10101-52-7
Section2 = Chembox Properties
Formula = ZrSiO₄
MolarMass = 183.30 g/mol
Appearance = white to red powder
Density = 4.56 g/cm³, solid
Solubility = insoluble
MeltingPt = 1540°C, decomposes
BoilingPt =
Section7 = Chembox Hazards
EUClass = not listed
NFPA-H = 3 | NFPA-F = 0 | NFPA-R = 1

Zirconium silicate, also zircon orthosilicate, (ZrSiO₄) is a chemical compound, a silicate of zirconium. It occurs in nature as the silicate mineral zircon.

Conditions to avoid are: dust generation, heat and lithium.

Zirconium silicate toxicity is low. It is abrasive irritant for skin and eyes. Chronic exposition to dust can cause pulmonary granulomas, skin inflammation, and skin granuloma. [http://www.espimetals.com/msds%27s/zirconiumsilicate.pdf]

Zirconium silicate is used for manufacturing refractory materials for applications where resistance to corrosion by alkali materials is required. [http://www.refractories.saint-gobain.com/Data/Element/Node/Category/Category_edit.asp?ele_ch_id=C0000000000000001030]

Zirconium silicate is also used in production of some ceramics, enamels, and ceramic glazes. [http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/zi/zirconium+silicate.html] In enamels and glazes it serves as an opacifier. It can be also present in some cements.

Another use of zirconium silicate is as beads for milling and grinding. [http://www.quackco.com/qbzirc.htm]

Thin films of zirconium silicate and hafnium silicate produced by chemical vapor deposition, most often MOCVD, can be used as a high-k dielectric as a replacement for silicon dioxide in semiconductors.

References