Quartz deposits along Sungai Pahang could be worth RM3,657 a tonne
KUALA LUMPUR: Quartz deposits along Sungai Pahang could be worth up to RM3,657 per tonne, offering a potentially valuable mineral resource for the state, according to a geologist.
KUALA LUMPUR: Quartz deposits along Sungai Pahang may be worth up to RM3,657 per tonne, according to a geologist. The extensive sand deposits downstream result from granite with high quartz content in the river's upper reaches eroding and breaking down into quartz grains carried downstream. Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah's Sustainable Mineral Resources and Recovery Technology Centre director, Dr Mohd Yuhyi Mohd Tadza, stated that quartz is produced through granite decomposition, resulting in sand with commercial value.
The mineral's value relies on the parent rock type and post-processing quality. While no specific study has been conducted on Sungai Pahang's quartz deposits, Yuhyi emphasized the mineral's potential as a wealth source for the state and the nation. Quartz, prized for its hardness, purity, and heat resistance, finds applications in semiconductors, glassmaking, electronics, and precision instruments.
The price of quartz sand fluctuates based on processing quality, reaching up to RM3,657 per tonne for premium grades. High-quality quartz is utilized in various industries, including semiconductors, glass production, watch lenses, paint, paper, electronics, and precision timekeeping devices. Processing quartz sand before sale would prove more lucrative, as unprocessed material commands a lower market value.
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