Mineral buyer's guides
Practical reference guides for buyers and specifiers of industrial minerals: what each material is, where it is used, which standards and HS codes apply, and what to put in a request for quotation.
Anhydrite buyer's guide
Anhydrite vs gypsum, uses in cement and floor screeds, HS 2520.10 and RFQ checklist.
Read the guide →Metakaolin buyer's guide
How metakaolin is made, cement replacement levels, ASTM C618 Class N and HS 2507.
Read the guide →Calcined shale buyer's guide
Calcined shale as a pozzolan: ASTM C618 and EN 197-1 limits, uses and specifications.
Read the guide →Perlite buyer's guide
Crude vs expanded perlite, world production, end uses and HS 2530.10 / 6806.20.
Read the guide →How industrial mineral specifications are written
Industrial minerals are sold on chemistry and particle size, not on appearance. Each report in this library sets out the specification buyers ask for, so you can compare offers on a like-for-like basis.
- Purity or grade — the content of the useful component, such as SiO₂ for silica sand, CaCO₃ for calcium carbonate, Al₂O₃ for kaolin or Fe for iron ore, with maximum limits for impurities such as iron oxide.
- Particle size — given as a mesh number or in microns. The higher the mesh, the finer the powder: 325 mesh passes particles of about 45 microns.
- Whiteness or brightness — important for fillers in paper, plastics and paint.
- Moisture and loss on ignition (LOI) — water adds weight you pay freight on, and LOI shows how much mass is lost on heating.
- HS code — needed for the import duty and customs entry; check it in the HS code explorer.
Reports in this library (9)
| Ref. | Report | Sector | Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| MN-2026-01 | High-Purity Silica Sand (SiO₂ ≥ 99.5%): Glassmakers Grade, Low Iron & Photovoltaic Solar Matrix | Silica sand | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-02 | Natural Calcium Phosphate Rock: BPL Grade Benchmarks, Phosphoric Acid Acidulation & Bulk Logistics | Phosphate & fertilizer minerals | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-03 | Ultra-White Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃ ≥ 98.5%): Micronized Filler, Whiteness Index & Plastic Compounding | Carbonates | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-04 | Raw Natural Gypsum Rock (CaSO₄·2H₂O ≥ 92%): Cement Retarder, Plasterboard Core & Soil Conditioner | Industrial minerals | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-05 | Potassium & Sodium Feldspar (K₂O + Na₂O ≥ 12%): Ceramic Flux, Sanitaryware Vitrification & Glaze Specs | Ceramic minerals | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-06 | High-Brightness Talc Powder (325 - 1250 Mesh): Asbestos-Free Assay, Polymer Nucleation & Coatings | Specialty minerals | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-07 | Hydrous & Calcined Kaolin (Al₂O₃ ≥ 36%): Refractory Strength, Paper Coating & Ceramic Casting | Ceramic minerals | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-08 | Direct Shipping Iron Ore (Fe 62% - 65%): DRI Pellet Feed, Sintering Fines & EAF Steelmaking | Metallic ores | Q3 2026 |
| MN-2026-09 | Activated Bentonite (API Spec 13A): Oil & Gas Drilling Fluid, Foundry Binder & Civil Diaphragm Walls | Specialty minerals | Q3 2026 |
Open a report above to see its summary and full specification sheet.
Shipping minerals: bags, containers and bulk
- Containers suit smaller parcels and powders packed in 25–50 kg bags or 1–1.5 tonne big bags (FIBCs). Dense minerals fill a container by weight long before volume — plan with the container load calculator.
- Bulk carriers carry large tonnages of phosphate rock, gypsum, iron ore and silica sand at a much lower cost per tonne, loaded under the IMO's IMSBC Code for solid bulk cargoes.
- Liquefaction risk. Some fine, moist cargoes, notably iron ore fines, can turn fluid at sea. The IMSBC Code requires the shipper to certify that moisture is below the cargo's transportable moisture limit (TML) before loading.
- Sampling and analysis. Contracts usually name an independent inspection company to sample at loading and certify the analysis; the price may be adjusted if the result is outside the specification.
For individual materials, see the buyer's guides for anhydrite, metakaolin, calcined shale and perlite.
Frequently asked questions
What does 325 mesh mean?
It is a sieve size: a 325-mesh screen has 325 openings per linear inch, letting through particles of about 45 microns. Powders sold as 325 mesh are mostly finer than that.
How is the price of industrial minerals quoted?
Usually per metric tonne, FOB at the port of loading for bulk, or per tonne packed in bags or big bags for container shipments. Grade, particle size and packing all change the price.
What is the TML of a bulk cargo?
The transportable moisture limit: the highest moisture content at which a cargo that can liquefy is considered safe to carry by sea under the IMSBC Code.
Why do buyers ask for an independent inspection certificate?
The value of a mineral depends on its analysis. An independent sampler and laboratory give both sides a neutral result to settle the price and any claims.
Are the prices in these reports binding?
No. They are indicative ranges for planning; a supplier's written offer for your grade, quantity and delivery terms is what counts.