Overview

Nepheline syenite is an igneous rock composed mainly of nepheline, microcline, and albite, with minor minerals such as mica, hornblende, and magnetite. Because of its low quartz content and high alumina and alkali content, it is widely used in the ceramic, glass, and glaze industries.

It acts as a flux, reducing firing temperature, lowering melt viscosity, and improving the quality and whiteness of the final product. Nepheline syenite typically contains 50–56% silica and resembles granite in appearance, but unlike granite, it contains little to no quartz.

Applications

• Glass manufacturing
• Flat and container glass
• Fiberglass
• Ceramics and porcelain
• Floor and wall tiles
• Glazes
• Paints
• Plastics
• Alumina production

Typical Analysis

• Al₂O₃: 22–24%
• SiO₂: 55–60%
• Na₂O + K₂O: 13–15%
• Fe₂O₃: <0.15%