ASTM E463 is a standard test method for determining silica content in Fluorospar by Silico-Molybdate Visible Spectrophotometry. Fluorspar concentrations range from 0.5% to 10%. Silica is determined photometrically after extraction of the silico-molybdate complex with normal butyl alcohol. All the values are stated in SI units as they are considered standard units.
ASTM E463 Standard Test Method for Determination of Silica in Fluorspar by Silico-Molybdate Visible Spectrophotometry
What is ASTM E463?
What is the Scope of ASTM E463?
ASTM E463 is a highly significant method as it is used as a reference method for compliance with compositional specifications for impurity content.
Purpose: This test method covers the determination of silica in fluorspar from 0.5 % to 10 % by mass.
Procedure: Samples are fused with anhydrous sodium borate, and the resulting melt is dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl). The silica concentration is measured photometrically at approximately 400 nm after extracting a silico-molybdate complex with butyl alcohol.
Concentration Range: The test method is explicitly designed for fluorspar samples containing silica concentrations from 0.5% to 10% by mass
ASTM E463 Sample Preparation
The analytical sample shall be pulverized and, after passing a 150-μm sieve, dried at 105 °C to 110 °C for a minimum of 1 h.
ASTM E463 Testing Procedure and Requirements
The sample is fused with anhydrous sodium borate. The resulting product is dissolved in dilute HCl. Silica is determined photometrically after extraction of the silico-molybdate complex with normal butyl alcohol.
ASTM E463 Results Analysis and Interpretation
This method determines the amount of silica in fluorspar from 0.5% to 10% by mass. This standard strictly uses SI units. The elements typically present in commercial-grade fluorspars do not interfere with the results of this test method.
Updated on September 4, 2026
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