Quartz and Cristobalite

Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. In fact, it is the second most common surface material, and accounts for almost 12 percent by volume of the earth's crust. Quartz is found in many materials used in the general industry and maritime sectors, such as brick and mortar, concrete, slate, granite, sandstone, stone aggregate, tile, jewelry, porcelain, enamel, clay, and sand used for blasting. Other materials that contain crystalline silica are asphalt filler, roofing granules, plastic composites, soils, wallboard joint compounds, paint, plaster, caulking and putty. Forms of quartz can also be found in materials used in railroads, shipyards, and oil and gas operations. Quartz is everywhere!

Cristobalite, which is a less common form of crystalline silica, is formed at high temperatures, greater than 1,470° Centigrade, or 2,678° Fahrenheit, that occur in nature, such as in volcanos, and in industrial processes. The ceramic and brick lining of boilers and vessels, some ceramic tiles, and volcanic ash contain cristobalite.

To learn more about Silica Safety visit our General & Maritime Silica Safety Online Training web page.