Silica sand the material must contain at least 95% SiO2 and less than 0.6% iron oxide. If the sand does not meet this criteria, it will qualify as what's often called 'regular' sand. Silica sand, also known as quartz, white, or industrial sand, is made up of two main elements: silica and oxygen, specifically, silicon dioxide (SiO2). Used for Glass, Golf course, water filtration, metal casting production, paint and coating, ceramic and tile, industrial abrasive etc.