$8.69
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I believe this is the original Zircopax, and not the replacement "Zircopax Plus" because I've had it for several years. I don't know when the name changed however so it's possible it's the plus. The only difference between the two is the particle size (the "plus" having a smaller particle). Zircopax is a brand name for zircon, the mineral zirconium silicate. In ceramics it's used (mostly) as a glaze opacifier.
It's a refractory material so it's also used as an ingredient in refractory shapes, kiln wash (the kiln wash we sell has it), and other refractory applications. It's an expensive material, and the fact that it's also dense (less volume per weight) adds to the expensive.
Here's what Digital Fire has to say about Zircopax { https://digitalfire.com/4sight/material/zircopax_1724.html } :
"Zircopax is a generic brand name of zirconium silicate or zircon (see Zircon for more information). It is primarily used in ceramic to opacify glazes. In North America, the most popular zirconium opacifiers fall under the brand names of Zircopax Plus, Superpax, Zircosil and Excelopax. These vary according to particle size, the finer the size the greater the scattering of light (and thus the better the opacification). In addition, the finer sized materials contain a little extra silica for maximum whiteness.
Of course, the amount of zircopax in a glaze determines the opacity. Small amounts (1-3%) may give no noticeable difference but are sometimes employed to improve glaze hardness. Since zircopax is refractory, the more that is added the more the degree of glaze melting (and melt viscosity) is going to be affected. Up to 15% or more might be needed to fully opacify a glaze. If higher amounts are needed the glaze formulation may need to be adjusted to reduce the amount of SiO2 or increase flux (to melt the glaze better).
Zircopax affects glaze melt viscosity, surface smoothness, thermal expansion and color development and can be implicated in a range of glazes faults associated with these. Please read the page on zircon for more information.
Zirconium prices are have increased rapidly in recent years, reflecting the world supply situation. Even though the material is very expensive, Zircopax is added to the body recipe of “porcellanato” tiles. It is a very effective body whitener, especially for casting porcelain."
The CAMEO art materials database states { http://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Zirconium_silicate } :
"Colorless tetragonal crystals. Zirconium silicate occurs in nature as the mineral zircon, which is commonly found in beach sand (South Carolina, Florida). Zircon is used as a glaze ingredient, an abrasive, a catalyst, a refractory material in fire brick, and an opacifier in ceramics."
Under "Uses" in the Wikipedia article { https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zirconium(IV)_silicate } :
"Zirconium silicate is used for manufacturing refractory materials for applications where resistance to corrosion by alkali materials is required. It is also used in production of some ceramics, enamels, and ceramic glazes. In enamels and glazes it serves as an opacifier. It can be also present in some cements. Another use of zirconium silicate is as beads for milling and grinding."
The natural mineral zircon is sometimes a gem quality stone found in all colors but most usually in blue. Good clarity stones can be valuable. "Cubic zirconium" is a manmade form of Zircon. It is usually clear and is used as a replacement for diamonds. It is not expensive. Zircon has a moh's hardness of 7.5.-
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Oct 19, 2022
The product is Excellent!!!! and on time! fast shipping is important :)
Maria Soledad
Sep 15, 2021
This is a great place to get small amounts of ceramic chems to test in glazes
David Mee
Feb 2, 2021
Arrived lightening fast. Just as described!
Emgee Dufresne
Jan 20, 2020
Quick shipping! Great seller to work with!
Rachel Rifenberg