Garnet Sand

Garnet sand is used as a support layer in a multi-media filtration system. Garnet is a naturally occurring gem mineral with uniform physical, chemical, hardness, friability and micro-structure characteristics, which provide the essential properties for water and industrial chemical filtration processes. Applications for garnet sand range from small, single-media filters to technically advanced multimedia commercial and industrial systems. Garnet sand helps to remove suspended particles from chemical and/or water filtration processes. The George L. Throop Company supplies garnet sand in many different sizes that is AWWA B100 and NSF 61 certified.

Garnet Sand Physical Characteristics:

  • High specific gravity: 3.8 - 4.2
  • Weight per cubic foot: 120 - 151 lbs
  • MOH hardness scale: 7.6 - 8.0
  • Acid solubility: <1%

Sizes of garnet sand for water filtration:

  • ES 1.4 x 1.55
  • ES 1.4 x 1.7
  • ES .35 x .45
  • ES .25 x .30
  • ES .21 x .28
  • ES .15 x .25

Cleanliness: Low dust

Durability: Because of its hardness, high specific gravity and the pounds per cubic foot, garnet sand, when installed correctly, stays in its own layer holding down the layers underneath during backwash.

The layers above the garnet sand are lighter in weight (per cubic foot) and therefore they lift during backwash and dislodge the "floc" cleaning of the filter media. The Garnet sand is not used to replace silica sand but rather one or two support layers of garnet sand are used beneath the silica sand. Garnet sand is so durable and heavy that the layers above will be replenished or replaced well before the garnet and filter rock layers are replaced. Therefore, time and money are saved by using garnet sand in a filtering system.

Garnet sand from the George L. Throop Company is available in the following packaging:

  • 50 lb sacks
  • 3,000 to 4,000 lb Supersack bags

We also carry silica sand and many other specialty sand for water filtration applications.