Perspectives for high-purity quartz from European resources

Abstract

High-purity quartz (HPQ) is a critical raw material for advanced technologies including semiconductors, photovoltaic cells, and optical fibers. This study reviews the geological occurrence, beneficiation routes, and strategic significance of HPQ within the European context. Quartz processing follows a sequential flowsheet of comminution, magnetic separation, flotation, acid leaching, and thermal treatment, designed to remove mineral impurities such as Fe, Al, Ti, and mica. The resulting ultra-high-purity quartz (UHPQ) achieves the chemical and physical specifications required for high-tech industries. Quartz, which is the most common mineral on Earth, can be found in a variety of geological locations such as granitic rocks and pegmatites in the Variscan Belt, metamorphic quartzites, hydrothermal veins, and Pleistocene periglacial and aeolian sediments. Case studies of European deposits demonstrate that geological origin directly influences processing requirements, and that tailored beneficiation strategies are essential to unlock viable resources. To our knowledge, this is the first Europe-focused synthesis that links these findings with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, the work that emphasizes the potential for domestic HPQ development to strengthen European supply chain resilience, reduce dependence on imports, and support the transition to a green and digital economy.

This research was funded by QUEEN (Quartz Enrichment Enabling Near-Zero Silicon Production Grant Agreement 101178144) and by the Generalitat de Catalunya for the Consolidated Research Groups SGR 01041 (RIIS).

Peer Reviewed

7 - Energia Assequible i No Contaminant

9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura

4 - Educació de Qualitat

12 - Producció i Consum Responsables

13 - Acció per al Clima

Postprint (published version)