Cristobalite is a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide, similar to quartz but with a different structure. The mineral is most often found in volcanic rock. Cristobalite is used as a filler in paints, coatings, and renders; as an abrasive in the creation of glass, ceramics, fibers, and rubber; and used in making engineered stone, dental printing composites, and silicone sealant compounds.

Today’s market size shows total global revenue for cristobalite in 2018 and forecast for 2026. The growing demand for dust and weather-resistant exterior paint in Asia and Africa is one of the markets fueling growth in this industry. Another is an increasing consumer preference for white engineered stone countertops. Cristobalite sand constituted nearly 85% of the market, with milled flour making up the rest. The top three producers—Quarzwerke GmbH, SCR-Sibelco NV, and Hoben International Limited—share in more than 75% of revenues. In addition to mining this mineral, in order to boost production to meet demand, some companies are creating it using quartz, a catalyst, and high heat kilns.

Geographic reference: World
Year: 2018 and 2026
Market size: $27 million and $45 million, respectively
Sources: vmr, “Cristobalite Market 2019 by Leading Manufacturers and Outlook till 2024,” A Technology Market, July 29, 2019 available online here; “Cristobalite Market Size Worth Around US$ 45 Million by 2026,” GlobeNewswire, June 20, 2019 available online here; “Cristobalite,” Science Direct available online here.
Original sources: Market Insights Reports and Acumen Research and Consulting
Image source: Kevin Phillips, “houses-colored-houses-yellow-house-1007932,” Pixabay, October 29, 2015 available online here.