Silica Sand
The Foundation of Glass and Steel
Six grades of silica sand, each engineered for its application
From optical-grade glass sand to high-conductivity frac proppant — every grain is processed to specification.

Glass-Manufacturing Silica Sand
Optical clarity begins at the molecular level.
High-purity glass-making silica sand serves as the foundational chemical component required to form the amorphous structure of premium glass products. For global glass manufacturing plants, the major challenge is avoiding microscopic contaminants. Our refined quartz sand undergoes intensive magnetic separation and chemical washing to lower iron oxides (Fe₂O₃) and alumina (Al₂O₃) down to minimal parts per million. This prevents undesired thermal stress points and greenish color tints in the molten glass pool.
By controlling the fusion dynamics inside the kiln, our glass-grade material yields a perfectly homogeneous melt. This results in superior structural integrity, scratch resistance, and pristine optical transparency in the final glass sheets or containers. Whether running automated float lines or high-speed blow-molding machines, our materials keep production yields predictable and efficient.
Core Characteristics
- Ultra-low iron thresholds (Fe₂O₃ ≤ 0.015%) to guarantee exceptional light transmission.
- High melting consistency with uniform grain size distribution to minimize energy consumption in furnaces.
- Minimal volatile organic matter and moisture levels to prevent bubbles or structural pockets.
- Strictly managed grain geometry to optimize rapid batch melting speeds.
Primary Applications
- Float glass production lines for automotive windshields and architectural windows.
- High-clarity container glass for premium pharmaceutical bottles and consumer food jars.
- Continuous-filament fiberglass processing for reinforcing composite insulation sheets.
- Premium table structural glassware, laboratory equipment, and crystal-clear kitchenware.

Foundry-Casting Silica Sand
Precision casting demands sand that holds its shape under extreme heat.
Foundry-grade silica sand is the backbone of metal casting operations worldwide. Its primary role is to form molds and cores that withstand the intense thermal shock of molten metal pouring while maintaining dimensional accuracy. Our foundry sand is washed, classified, and thermally processed to achieve an optimal AFS grain fineness number and minimal clay content.
The rounded-to-sub-angular grain shape of our silica sand promotes excellent permeability, allowing gases to escape during metal pouring and preventing casting defects such as porosity and blowholes. With tightly controlled moisture and LOI (Loss on Ignition) values, our sand ensures consistent mold strength and minimal binder consumption — directly reducing production costs for foundries.
Core Characteristics
- AFS grain fineness number (GFN) between 50–60 for optimal mold permeability and surface finish.
- Minimal clay and silt content (≤ 0.3%) to reduce binder demand and improve reclaim rates.
- High refractoriness (> 1,700°C) to withstand ferrous and non-ferrous metal pouring temperatures.
- Uniform grain distribution ensuring consistent mold compaction and reduced veining defects.
Primary Applications
- Green sand molding for automotive engine blocks, transmission housings, and brake components.
- No-bake and cold-box core production for complex internal passages in pump and valve castings.
- Investment casting backup shells for turbine blades and aerospace alloy components.
- Gravity and pressure die-casting auxiliary molds for aluminium and magnesium alloys.

Construction-Grade Silica Sand
The structural integrity of concrete begins with the right aggregate.
Construction-grade silica sand is a critical aggregate in concrete, mortar, render, and asphalt formulations. Its angular grain structure provides mechanical interlock within the cement matrix, enhancing compressive strength and durability. Our construction sand is washed to remove organic impurities and classified to meet IS 383 and ASTM C33 standards for fine aggregate.
The controlled gradation of our silica sand ensures optimal water-cement ratios, reducing the risk of segregation and bleeding in fresh concrete. With low chloride and sulfate content, our sand is safe for reinforced concrete structures, preventing long-term corrosion of steel reinforcement. Whether for high-rise building foundations or highway pavement layers, our sand delivers consistent performance batch after batch.
Core Characteristics
- Angular to sub-angular grain shape for superior mechanical bonding within cement matrices.
- Low chloride content (≤ 0.01%) preventing reinforcement corrosion in structural concrete.
- Controlled fines content ensuring predictable workability and finish quality in mortars.
- Compliance with IS 383 / ASTM C33 for fine aggregate in concrete and masonry applications.
Primary Applications
- Ready-mix concrete for commercial building foundations, columns, and slab structures.
- Mortar and plaster mixes for brickwork, blockwork, and smooth interior wall finishes.
- Asphalt and bituminous road surfacing for highways, airport runways, and parking areas.
- Pre-cast concrete elements including pipes, pavers, kerbstones, and boundary walls.

Water-Filtration Silica Sand
Crystal-clear water starts with the right filtration media.
Water-filtration silica sand is the most widely used filter media in municipal water treatment, swimming pool filtration, and industrial wastewater purification systems. Its hard, durable quartz grains provide a stable filtration bed that effectively traps suspended solids, turbidity, and organic matter while maintaining high flow rates. Our filtration sand is washed, screened, and hydraulically classified to achieve precise Effective Size (ES) and Uniformity Coefficient (UC) values.
The rounded grain shape of our filtration sand minimizes head loss across the filter bed, extending backwash intervals and reducing operational costs. With high silica content and negligible soluble impurities, our sand does not alter water chemistry — making it ideal for potable water treatment and sensitive industrial processes.
Core Characteristics
- High silica content (≥ 99%) ensuring chemical inertness and long service life in filter beds.
- Precise Effective Size (ES 0.45–0.55 mm) and Uniformity Coefficient (UC ≤ 1.5) for optimal filtration.
- Rounded grain geometry minimizing pressure drop and maximizing dirt-holding capacity.
- Acid-washed and thermally sanitized to eliminate organic contaminants and biofilm precursors.
Primary Applications
- Rapid gravity sand filters in municipal drinking water treatment plants.
- Pressure filter vessels for industrial process water and cooling tower makeup.
- Swimming pool filtration systems for residential, commercial, and Olympic facilities.
- Wastewater tertiary treatment and effluent polishing before environmental discharge.

Frac Sand (Hydraulic Fracturing)
Unlocking hydrocarbon reserves demands proppant perfection.
Frac sand is a high-purity quartz proppant used in hydraulic fracturing operations to keep induced fractures open, allowing oil and natural gas to flow to the wellbore. Our frac sand meets or exceeds API RP 19C specifications for proppant performance, with exceptional crush resistance, roundness, and sphericity. Each batch is tested for turbidity, acid solubility, and bulk density to ensure downhole integrity under extreme closure stresses.
The highly spherical and rounded grains of our frac sand maximize fracture conductivity by creating permeable pathways with minimal tortuosity. With tightly controlled size fractions (20/40, 30/50, 40/70 mesh), our proppant is optimized for specific formation characteristics — from shallow conventional wells to deep unconventional shale plays.
Core Characteristics
- Exceptional crush resistance (> 7,000 psi closure stress) maintaining fracture conductivity at depth.
- High roundness and sphericity (Krumbein values ≥ 0.6) maximizing permeable flow paths.
- Low acid solubility (≤ 1.0%) preventing dissolution and fines generation in formation fluids.
- Tight size fractions (20/40, 30/50, 40/70) matched to specific reservoir permeability profiles.
Primary Applications
- Unconventional shale oil and gas hydraulic fracturing in tight formations.
- Conventional sandstone reservoir stimulation for enhanced oil recovery.
- Coalbed methane (CBM) well completion and dewatering operations.
- Geothermal well enhancement and hot dry rock stimulation projects.

Sports-Turf Silica Sand
Championship playing surfaces start beneath the blades.
Sports-turf silica sand is a specialized infill and top-dressing material for natural and artificial turf systems. Its hard, angular quartz grains provide structural stability to the root zone, improving drainage, aeration, and resistance to compaction. Our sports sand is washed to remove fines and organic matter, then screened to precise size fractions that interlock with soil particles and synthetic turf fibers.
The consistent particle size distribution of our sports sand ensures uniform moisture retention and nutrient availability across the entire playing surface. With high silica hardness (Mohs 7), our sand resists breakdown under cleat traffic and maintenance equipment — maintaining surface consistency season after season. Whether for professional stadiums or community pitches, our sand delivers the performance athletes demand.
Core Characteristics
- High silica hardness (Mohs 7) resisting breakdown under heavy cleat and equipment traffic.
- Angular grain shape providing structural interlock and resistance to surface compaction.
- Low silt and clay content (≤ 0.5%) ensuring rapid drainage and preventing surface sealing.
- pH-neutral chemistry (6.5–7.5) compatible with all turf grass species and root-zone amendments.
Primary Applications
- Natural turf top-dressing for football, rugby, cricket, and golf course fairways.
- Artificial turf infill for 3G and 4G synthetic pitches in stadiums and training facilities.
- Golf bunker sand providing consistent lie, playability, and drainage in hazard areas.
- Equestrian arena surfaces for show jumping, dressage, and racing track footing.
Explore other sectors
Need Specification-Grade Silica Sand?
Partner with Guru International Exim for high-purity silica sand tailored to your exact grade, mesh size, and chemical requirements.
Enquire about Silica Sand
Our technical team typically responds within one business day.



