Non-Silica Abrasives · O-BLAST
A silica-free abrasive, every load to spec.
For abrasive blasting the product is O-BLAST, a silica-free media we deliver on time and always to specification. We're the world's largest supplier of oolitic aragonite, a pure, renewable calcium carbonate.
In the pot
What O-BLAST blasting media is made of
A silica sand alternative by composition
Aragonite is calcium carbonate, CaCO₃ by chemical formula, and it is not silica sand. That makes it a silica-free blasting media: effective blasting without silica risk. Operations moving off silica sand under the OSHA respirable crystalline silica standard qualify O-BLAST on that composition, CaCO₃ at a minimum of 96%, and not crystalline silica. Judge it against your own program requirements.
Consistent blasting media, load after load
Our oolitic aragonite is a pure calcium carbonate, a minimum of 96% CaCO₃, with uniform chemistry load after load. Consistent media, delivery after delivery.
Abrasive blast media, sized to the work
Our published gradation spans US mesh +30 to +200, in white or tan granules. Where that standard range doesn't suit the work, tighter or custom gradations are available on request.
A renewable mineral
Aragonite forms continuously where Atlantic waters converge with the Gulf Stream. It's 100% renewable rather than a finite deposit.
Know what you're blasting with. What is oolitic aragonite
Specifications
What our blast media tests at
These are the typical values of our oolitic aragonite as harvested and processed. Qualify them against your process requirements before you order.
Abrasive-blasting buyers start with the sieve analysis and the CaCO₃ minimum. The physical properties, density and white or tan granules, finish the qualification.
| Analyte | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Fe₂O₃ | 80 ppm max |
| CaCO₃ | 96% min |
| MgO | 0.35% |
| H₂O | <1% |
| US mesh | % retained |
|---|---|
| +20 | 0 |
| +30 | 28.7 |
| +40 | 28.5 |
| +50 | 25 |
| +70 | 12.7 |
| +100 | 4.1 |
| +140 | 0.8 |
| +200 | 0.2 |
Typical values, not a guaranteed analysis. Certified assays available on request.
Supply and delivery
Blast media supply built for volume
The former principals of Marcona operate Aragonite Source, and they harvested aragonite at Ocean Cay from the 1970s into the early 2000s. Today we dig in close conjunction with the Bahamian government, at sites the testing and the renewability both have to justify.
Millions of tons sold and hundreds of customers later, the job is unchanged. Deliver on time, always to specification. We have never had a rejected load, and we have never failed to meet customer demand.
Out of our own yard, product moves on our own truck fleet plus rail. Consistent and on time, at bulk volume.
Let's talk supply.
Tell us the gradation and the volume you blast at, and we'll get you O-BLAST that hits it. Every time.
Thank you. We're on it.
Your inquiry is in. We'll be in touch shortly. The email and phone above stay open if you'd rather not wait.