Agate Grinding Balls

Agate grinding balls for compatible analytical and laboratory sample preparation.

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Overview

Agate grinding balls for compatible analytical and laboratory sample preparation. Their silica-based material and lower density than steel should be considered when defining the media charge.

How it works

The grinding media forms part of the contact system between sample, media and mill. Material selection should balance the required mechanical action with chemical compatibility and the acceptable contribution from wear.

Silicon transfer and natural inclusions can matter to the analysis. Inspect media for cracks and wear.

Key features

The published reference diameter range is 3–20 mm.
The material is natural agate rather than a certified synthetic oxide grade.
Agate jar/media records in the test summaries are material-level examples, not a universal recipe.

Specifications

Published catalog references are reproduced below. Nominal volume is not a sample-mass rating. Confirm the selected model, material grade, electrical supply and complete supplied configuration in the quotation.

Published media material references
Property	Reference
Material	natural agate
Composition / grade	Natural silica-based agate
Diameter range	3–20 mm
Density	Approximately 2.65 g/cm³
Hardness	Mohs 7
Supplied size distribution	Specify the required diameters and quantities
Grade / batch documentation	Confirm with the quotation; material references are not a batch certificate

Material properties are published references, not a certificate for a supplied batch or a complete assembly temperature/pressure rating.

Applications

Compatible geological, environmental, ceramic and other analytical sample preparation.

Suitability depends on the actual sample, process and analytical requirements; a listed application is not a guaranteed final-particle-size result.

Accessories and options

Specify the media grade, diameter mix, total charge and required documentation against the actual jar and sample. Confirm custom requirements in the quotation.

State the required grade, quantities, drawings and destination when requesting a quotation. Confirm what is included, the document requirements, packing and commercial terms; no generic delivery time or universal custom capability is assumed.

Compare milling jars · Compare grinding media · Air-cooled systems · Ultrasonic-assisted systems

Selection guidance

Match natural agate to the sample chemistry and the elements or residues that matter to the analysis. Then confirm the dimensions, complete loaded mass and operating arrangement against the selected mill.

Work through the selection guide · Request a configuration quotation

Trials and comparisons

Material/application reference

Ore samples

XQM; exact model not recorded · Two agate-jar sample runs

Sample: 40.2 g and 102 g
Jar: 250 mL agate jar; agate media
Recorded sampling / duration: 90 min per sample

Recorded observations
Sample	Sample mass	D50 (µm)	D90 (µm)
Sample 1	40.2 g	2.82	9.03
Sample 2	102 g	3.62	11.23

Both samples were recorded in one entry, but identical composition/batch and all other conditions are not established. The difference cannot be attributed solely to sample loading. The 3 h total covers two 90 min runs.

How to plan a fair comparison

For a natural agate comparison, use matched sample portions and the same measurement/dispersion method. State the jar, media, mass/volume loading basis, processing schedule and contamination measurements. A change in material grade alone is not established as the cause of a result.

These anonymous records are not operating instructions. Measurement and dispersion methods are not fully specified in the test summaries; results apply to the reported samples and conditions.

Discuss a matched sample evaluation

Product FAQs

Can agate media be used when silicon is the critical contaminant?

Not without a compatibility assessment. Agate is silica-based and may contribute silicon. Choose the jar/media system around the analytical elements and limits.

Which natural agate ball diameter should I order?

The catalog diameter reference is 3–20 mm. Select diameters and the size mix around feed size, target result, jar volume and the chosen process. Silicon transfer and natural inclusions can matter to the analysis. Inspect media for cracks and wear.

Can these balls replace another media material at the same mass?

The density reference for natural agate is Approximately 2.65 g/cm³. Equal mass does not give equal media volume when densities differ. Define the loading basis and review the total jar load before changing materials.

How should these balls be matched to a jar?

Check the jar working surface, media hardness/density, total loaded mass and sample chemistry. Silicon transfer and natural inclusions can matter to the analysis. Inspect media for cracks and wear. A diameter that fits physically is not automatically an appropriate process choice.

Does the hardness value establish wear performance in my sample?

The published hardness reference is Mohs 7. Silicon transfer and natural inclusions can matter to the analysis. Inspect media for cracks and wear. Assess wear with the actual sample, jar, loading and measurement method; hardness is not a sample-specific wear-rate result.

What grade and size information should I include in an inquiry?

Specify Natural silica-based agate, diameters within the 3–20 mm catalog reference, quantities and required grade/batch documents. Provide the actual jar, sample chemistry and contamination limits so TENCAN can review the pairing.

Start with your sample.

Nominal capacity, jar volume and usable sample load are different. Confirm the model, jars and electrical requirements with our engineers.

Choosing Jars and Grinding Media

WILL IT WORK
FOR YOUR MATERIAL?

Plan a sample evaluation with our engineers.

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