Vast deposits of beach sand minerals containing rare
earth elements, titanium and zirconium compounds are
now attracting attention of scientists and technologists
for exploitation of these minerals on a larger scale. Huge
amounts of sillimanite, zircon and garnet sands are
obtained as by-products during extraction of the rare
earth compounds from these sands. The use of these
sands not only cleans the environment but also saves
valuable energy and natural resources. Sillimanite sand
is used to develop synthetic mullite aggregate for
refractories application or as such can be used to produce
insulating, high alumina and castable refractories. Zircon
sand is used in refractories, ceramics and chemical
industries. Technology is available to extract zirconia
from this sand. Stabilized zirconia has emerged as a
structural and refractories material. Garnet sand is now
used as an abrasive material for glass polishing. It may
have potential application in the production of synthetic
granite tiles in the near future, due to its low cost of
production and environmental-friendly operation.