United States mineral resources

Abstract

Silica-sand formations and the quartz sandstones from which silica sand and silicon are mainly derived are abundantly distributed throughout the United States and the world. Although the use of silica-sand, principally in the glass and metallurgical industries, is rapidly increasing, shortages that might cause heavy reliance on imports are not likely. Problems are caused if urban development preempts the surface over valuable silica sand deposits and if abandoned sandpits are left in a useless condition. Urban planners can solve the first problem by restricting important sand deposits from other long-term uses, and industry can solve the second by contouring the disturbed surface for productive or recreational use. More detailed geologic investigations in urban areas are needed to precisely delineate silica-sand deposits in advance of urban development.