Zrconium silicate's natural mineral form is zircon (also known as zircon), with the chemical formula Zr[SiO4]. Benefiting from the inert chemical properties of the tetravalent zirconium ion (Zr4+) and the robust and stable network crystal structure of zircon itself, zircon is extremely stable. Zircon is one of the oldest minerals formed on Earth and is an ideal subject for isotopic dating.
Zircon resources are mainly distributed in Australia, South Africa, Kenya, and Mozambique. China is the world's largest consumer of zirconium resources, while Europe (especially Italy and Spain), the United States, and Japan are also important consuming regions. The global pandemic has impacted the supply of zircon sand, for example, through South Africa's lockdown policies and production cuts by Iluka.
Looking ahead, China's demand for zirconium resources will continue to grow rapidly, but the consumption structure will gradually shift. Demand from the traditional ceramics industry will decline, while demand from high-tech industries (such as high-purity chemical zirconium, capacitor zirconium, precision casting, and nuclear-grade sponge zirconium) will grow rapidly.
