Kinetics of Zircon Synthesis

The synthesis of zircon from ZrO 2 and SiO 2 at fixed temperatures from 1200° to 1400°C was studied as a function of time up to 16 h. Quantitative X‐ray diffraction was used to estimate the phases in the product. Quartz transforms to cristobalite through an amorphous transitional phase. Assuming a homogeneous reaction model, analog computer simulation of reactions was used to determine the rate constants at different temperatures. In the temperature range studied, the transitional phase is the most reactive form of silica in zircon synthesis, followed by cristobalite.