Any of a large group of silicon-oxygen compounds that are widely distributed throughout much of the solar system. The silicates make up about 95percnt of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, occurring as the major constituents of most igneous rocks and in appreciable quantities in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. They also are important constituents of lunar samples, meteorites, and most asteroids. In addition, planetary probes have detected them on the surfaces of Mercury, Venus, and Mars. Of the approximately 600 known silicate minerals, only the feldspars, amphiboles, pyroxenes, micas, olivines, feldspathoids, and zeolites are significant in rock formation.

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Mineral Paints are mineral based coatings formulated with potassium silicate or sodium silicate, otherwise known as waterglass as the binder, combined with inorganic, alkaline-resistant pigments. They are fully inorganic (containing no organic solvents) and are non-offgassing. Mineral paints petrify, by binding to any silicates within the substrate, forming a micro-crystalline structure and a breathable finish. They are more of a stain, that becomes integral to the substrate, rather than a coating. They are alkaline and therefore inhibit microbiotic growth, and reduce carbonization of cementitious materials.

The majority of non-toxic concrete stains and limestone restoration products are waterglass based. Mineral paints are also used as a non-toxic wood preservative.

The difference between the use of sodium silicate and potassium silicate as a binder is mainly geographic. The western hemisphere mainly produces sodium silicate, where Europe produces potassium silicate

Possible substrates:

• masonry
• stone
• concrete
• lime plasters
• earthen plasters

Applications:

• environmentally friendly, non-toxic applications
• high durability, especially on masonry products, and lightfast
• breathable finish
• Acid rain resistance
• antifungal properties
• reduces carbonization of cement based materials

External links

www.keimpaints.co.za

• Keim Mineral Coatings of America, Inc.
• Eco-House Inc.
• Keim Farben
• Keim Paints UK
• http://www.ecozmo.com/
• Silacote
• TimberPro
• Eco-house article reprint