Zirconium(IV) silicate
IUPAC name	Zirconium(IV) silicate
Other names	Zirconium orthosilicate
Identifiers
CAS number	10101-52-7 Y
Properties
Molecular formula	ZrSiO4
Molar mass	183.308 g/mol
Appearance	white powder (similar to ZrO2)
Density	4.56 g/cm3
Melting point	1540°C, decomposes to ZrO2 and SiO2
Solubility in water	insoluble
Solubility	insoluble in acid, aqua regia, alkalies
Hazards
MSDS	MSDS
EU Index	Not listed
NFPA 704	0 3 1
Flash point	Non-flammable
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

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

Zirconium silicate is usually colorless, but impurities induce various colorations. It is insoluble in water, acids, alkali and aqua regia. Hardness is 7.5 on the Mohs scale. ^[1]

Contents 1 Production 2 Uses 3 Toxicity 4 References

[edit] Production

Zirconium silicate occurs in nature as mineral zircon. Ore is mined from natural deposits and concentrated by various techniques. It is separated from sand by electrostatic and electromagnetic methods.

Also, the compound can be made by fusion of SiO₂ and ZrO₂ in an arc furnace, or by reacting a zirconium salt with sodium silicate in an aqueous solution.

[edit] Uses

Zirconium silicate is used for manufacturing refractory materials for applications where resistance to corrosion by alkali materials is required. It is also used in production of some ceramics, enamels, and ceramic glazes. 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. 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.^[2]

[edit] Toxicity

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. ^[3]

[edit] References

v • d • e   Zirconium compounds ZrB2 · ZrBr4 · ZrC · ZrCl4 · ZrF4 · ZrH2 · ZrI4 · ZrN · ZrOCl2 · Zr(OH)4 · ZrO2 · ZrS2 · Zr(SO4)2 · ZrSi2 · ZrSiO4 · Zr(WO4)2

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