Silica, or more correctly silicon dioxide SiO2, is one of the most abundant compounds on the surface of the Earth, being most obvious as quartz and common sand. Silica has a multitude of uses depending on the degree of purity. Grades up to 99.5% SiO2 are used in the manufacture of glass, optical fibers and ceramics. There are various definitions of High Purity Quartz relative to the total and elemental contamination. Whilst modern processing methods can remove much of the contamination, Naturally-occurring ultra-pure SiO2 (greater than 99.997%) which is suitable for production of high-purity fillers, silicon metal and use in solar panels and semi-conductors is geologically rare and commands a significant premium over the price of lower grader material. Deposits of this chemical quality and composition are rare and the largest known occurrence is in India.

Silica, or more correctly silicon dioxide SiO2, is one of the most abundant compounds on the surface of the Earth, being most obvious as quartz and common sand. Silica has a multitude of uses depending on the degree of purity. Grades up to 99.5% SiO2 are used in the manufacture of glass, optical fibers and ceramics. There are various definitions of High Purity Quartz relative to the total and elemental contamination. Whilst modern processing methods can remove much of the contamination, Naturally-occurring ultra-pure SiO2 (greater than 99.997%) which is suitable for production of high-purity fillers, silicon metal and use in solar panels and semi-conductors is geologically rare and commands a significant premium over the price of lower grader material. Deposits of this chemical quality and composition are rare and the largest known occurrence is in India.