Zirconium Oxide Beads vs Zirconium Silicate Beads Which is the Better Option

Zirconia beads are high-strength, hard, and finely processed spherical particles commonly used for grinding and fine dispersion of materials. They are generally categorized into two main types: zirconium oxide beads (ZrO₂ beads) and zirconium silicate beads. Broadly speaking, both fall under the umbrella of zirconia beads. Zirconium silicate beads are often called 65 zirconia beads, indicating a zirconia content of 65%. In contrast, zirconium oxide beads typically refer to 95 zirconia beads, with a 95% zirconia content. The higher the zirconia content, the whiter the bead appears. These two types differ significantly in various technical aspects.

Appearance and Composition

Zirconium silicate beads exhibit a yellowish-white color with a matte, opaque appearance and are made from zirconium silicate powder. Zirconium oxide beads are more white in color and are made from high-purity zirconia powder. There is a substantial difference in density: 95 zirconia beads have a specific gravity of approximately 6.0 g/cm³, while zirconium silicate beads are around 4.0 g/cm³. Therefore, zirconia beads are significantly denser than zirconium silicate beads.

Typical Zirconium Silicate Beads Samples

Stone Peak's Zirconia Beads (Zirconium Oxide Beads)

Mechanical Properties and Application Performance

Zirconia beads have a Mohs hardness of 9, suitable for grinding most materials. Zirconium silicate beads have a slightly lower hardness of about 8 and are typically available in a minimum size of 0.3–0.4 mm. However, zirconium silicate beads possess lower toughness and are more prone to fracture during high-speed milling, with higher wear rates during grinding. In contrast, zirconia beads are ideal for ultrafine grinding and dispersion of high-viscosity, high-hardness materials and offer zero contamination. Their higher density translates to greater kinetic energy during motion, resulting in 2–3 times higher grinding efficiency compared to zirconium silicate beads.

Zirconia Beads Working in a Sand Mill

Cost and Value

The price difference between the two types is also notable. Zirconium silicate beads are typically priced from around US$ 8 per kilogram, while zirconia beads start at approximately US$ 60 per kilogram. However, the higher cost of zirconia beads reflects their superior performance: high ZrO₂ content, greater density, higher toughness, lower wear rate, and reduced bead breakage. The wear rate of zirconia beads is 4–10 times lower than that of standard zirconium silicate beads. Moreover, zirconia beads exhibit better sphericity, smoother surfaces, fewer pores, and higher gloss, which facilitates easier cleaning and reuse. These attributes also lead to reduced equipment wear due to better flow characteristics and lower surface friction.

Chemical Stability and Corrosion Resistance

Many grinding processes involve chemically aggressive materials. Zirconia, being an inert ceramic, offers excellent corrosion resistance. The higher the ZrO₂ content, the greater the chemical stability. Consequently, zirconia beads are suitable for a broader range of applications, including the grinding and dispersion of materials in strong acid or alkali environments. Post-use cleaning is also straightforward, making them a highly versatile choice for demanding grinding applications.

About Stone Peak Technologies

Stone Peak Technologies is proud to be Eastern Canada’s No.1 supplier of zirconia beads. With in-house production of both zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide materials, we maintain full control over quality at every stage. Our premium yttrium-stabilized zirconia beads are engineered to deliver exceptional performance—ensuring zero contamination, reducing operational costs, and extending equipment life. Partner with us to elevate your grinding and dispersion processes with reliable, high-purity solutions.