What it is
Nearly pure silica used for glass, ceramics, foundry moulds, ferro-silicon, filters and engineered stone.
Glass grade silica sand (low iron)Foundry / moulding sandQuartz lumps and powderQuartzite
Where India produces it
Where imports come from
Low: 145,715 t of silica sand and 47,859 t of quartz and quartzite were imported in 2023-24.
Rules before you buy or sell
- Quartz became a major mineral by S.O. 924(E) of 20 February 2025; silica sand stays a minor mineral under state rules; moulding sand is a major mineral.
- Grinding units must control silica dust; long exposure causes silicosis.
- Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.
Storage and handling
Store washed sand on clean concrete pads or in bags; keep fines covered.
Businesses that use it
Glass Bangles Making →Glass Bowl Making →Mouth-Blown Glass Hollowware →Glass Bulb Shell Making →Ceramic Tile Manufacturing →Mineral Grinding Unit →High Duty Iron Castings (Foundry) →