CRYSTALLINE SILICA

LABORATORY

Analitica conducts mineralogical analyses using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to determine the crystalline phases of silica (quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite) in bulk samples, as well as to quantify respirable crystalline silica deposited on filters following environmental sampling.

Regarding diffractometric analyses and the quantification of free crystalline silica, Analitica follows the guidelines set out in the UNICHIM 2398/2011, ISO 16258/2015, and UNI 11768/2020 standards, with calibration curves developed in a dust chamber and Standard Reference Materials provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for respirable quartz and cristobalite.

Analitica is certified by IMA Europe (Industrial Mineral Association) for the analysis of respirable crystalline silica in massive samples according to the SWFF/SWFFcs methods (Size-Weighted Fine Fraction of crystalline silica) in accordance to the EN 17289-3/2020 standard.

We have implemented a methodology based on the dissolution of silica in NaOH, as described in the specialized scientific literature, to distinguish between cristobalite and opal, a material of partially crystalline nature that is the subject of studies on the hazardousness of its respirable dust.

Elenco analisi

Determination of the concentration of respirable free crystalline silica and its polymorphs (quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite) dispersed in the workplace environment, directly on filters by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), in accordance with UNICHIM 2398/2011 and ISO 16258-1/2015 standards.

Determination of the concentration of free crystalline silica (quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite) in bulk samples by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), in accordance with UNI EN 13925/2006.

Analysis of respirable free crystalline silica in minerals and raw materials (fillers, cosmetics, rice husk, rice husk ash, pigments...) by measuring the SWFF (Size-Weighted Fine Fraction) and SWFFcs (Size-Weighted Fine Fraction of Crystalline Silica) parameters, in accordance with UNI EN 17289-3/2020.

Assesment of dust and free crystalline silica chemical risk in atmosphere and work environments.

Analysis of amorphous silica (NIOSH 7501/2003 method) on samples of silica gel, diatomaceous earth, fumed silica, and products derived from high-temperature processing of amorphous silica.