Investigation on Zircon Sand

Zircon sand, which is mostly a silicate of zirconium, has recently been found to be very useful for use in foundries. Due to its high cost, its use is, however, restricted to cases where more accurate reproduction of the pattern is required. It has been found in Australia and U.S.A. that the cost of machining of casting made with zircon sand is lowered thereby compensating for the high initial cost involved as a foundry material. Mostly it is used as a facing sand and mould washes prepared out its flour; while in America it has been incorporated with silica sand for moulding.