Learn More About Our Byproducts

Our primary byproducts that are available to consumers are sand, pyrite, and magnetite.

Sand

Pyrite

Magnetite

Sand

Quartz sand is our biggest byproduct. Our deposits in Central VA are comprised mostly of quartz. This must be removed to produce kyanite. Due to the purification process, our sand and kyanite are the same size. We produce substantially more sand than we do kyanite each year. Most of the sand is used for reclamation efforts around the mine.

Our sand is known locally for its excellent drainage characteristics. It’s typically used in agricultural applications such as sand in horse rings and animal bedding, traction sand, on golf courses, and as a general fill material.  

Pyrite

Pyrite is another major byproduct of the kyanite purification process. It’s primarily used as an insulating layer in metal melt processes to help hold the heat in. Pyrite is also known as “fool’s gold.”

Magnetite

Magnetite is another kyanite byproduct and is a kind of iron oxide. It’s magnetic and we primarily sell it to customers that use it as a colorant in the brick industry and the glazing industry.

Have questions or would like to purchase our byproducts? Reach out to us!