Selective separation of sodium and potassium feldspar minerals from orebodies

Abstract

Feldspar minerals are major commodities used in the production of glass and ceramics. A major proportion of feldspar rocks such as granites, pegmatites and nepheline syenites embody both Na-feldspar (Albite) and K-feldspar (microcline or orthoclase) in the matrix usually in quantities of about 3-5% Na2O and K2O. Despite their identical crystal structures and physicochemical properties, flotation appears to be a plausible method of separating these minerals. In our past studies, microflotation was studied in the presence of mono and multivalent salts in order to understand the mechanism of selective separation between Na and K feldspars. In this study, sodium and potassium containing minerals have been tested on a bench scale using Denver cell at natural pH and in HF medium with monovalent salts. The results reveal that at particular salt concentrations of monovalent salts, a required selectivity in flotation is achieved.