EN FR MINERALS AND MORE FELDSPAR Feldspar is the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth’s crust. Their use in industrial applications is widespread. In fact, feldspar can be found in a great many objects we use on a daily basis! #1 Imerys is world leader for minerals for ceramic tableware and sanitaryware 50% Feldspar minerals make up 50% of the Earth’s crust HALF THE EARTH’S CRUST Feldspar is the name given to a group of naturally occurring alumino-silicate minerals containing varying amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium and/or lithium. The feldspar group of minerals is by far the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth’s crust, making up about 50% of all rocks. Feldspar minerals are essential components in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, to such an extent that the classification of a number of rocks is based on their feldspar content. Although highly present in igneous rocks like granite, commercial feldspar is generally mined from pegmatite or feldspathic sand deposits. Feldspars are generally divided into three categories, feldspar, pegmatite and feldspathic sand, and are primarily used in industrial applications for their alumina and alkali content. Feldspars and pegmatites play an important role as fluxing agents in ceramics and glass production, and are valuable functional fillers in the paint and adhesive industries. 1 / 1 Our south feldspath quarry in Lansac, Saint-Arnac (France) Feldspar is a tectosilicate with the chemical composition KAlSi3O8 – NaAlSi3O8 – CaAl2Si2O8 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES IMERYS FELDSPARS High alumina and alkali content High potassium content Low iron content Chemical inertness pH stable Consistent hardness (6-6.5 on Mohs scale) 1 / 2 Feldspar rocks A WIDE PORTFOLIO OF MINERALS WITH SPECIFIC PROPERTIES Imerys operates feldspar mines and processing plants in France, Germany, Portugal (plants), Spain (plants), Turkey, United States, India and Thailand. Each operation yields feldspars of different mineral and chemical compositions which we engineer to impart specific properties to a wide range of end products such as ceramics, glass and paints. GLASS AND CERAMICS LEAD THE WAY In glassmaking, Imerys feldspars are excellent fluxing agents for flat and container glass, as well as for insulation wools. Feldspar is an excellent source of alumina which improves end product hardness, durability, and resistance to chemical corrosion. Used in ceramics, feldspar and pegmatite are the main vitrifying or fluxing agent used during the firing process of ceramic bodies. Fluxes melt at an early stage in the firing process forming a glassy matrix that bonds the other components of the system together, ensuring the durability of fired bodies. Imerys feldspars contain low levels of colored oxides, so they are particularly prized for white tiles and sanitaryware production. Fine-milled Imerys feldspars are valuable multi-functional fillers and extenders in applications such as paints for their good dispersibility, chemical inertness, stable pH, high resistance to abrasion and low viscosity. Imerys has a wide portfolio of feldspar and pegmatite products. With in-depth knowledge of how feldspar interacts in our customers’ end products, we will continue to harness our minerals to help customers improve performance, reduce costs and minimize their carbon footprint. The floor tiles are made with Feldspar. CERAMICS PAINTS & COATINGS CONTACT GROUP FINANCE TALENT MEDIA Follow us © Imerys 2021 Cookies Policy Personal Data Legal Terms WE USE COOKIES Our website uses cookies to allow for a personalized experience on our website and improve your user experience. For more information about our cookies please read our Cookie preferences. Mandatory Cookies These cookies are essential to enable you to navigate our website and use its features. These cookies are session-specific and expire after your visit to the website. Performance Cookies These cookies allow us to improve the user experience & performance of our site for our visitors, by measuring website usage statistics such as visits, top pages, and traffic. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Accept all Save my preferences