Segments - Zircon Market by Type (Magmatic Zircon, Hydrothermal Zircon, Metamorphic Zircon, and Detrital Zircon), Application (Glass and Construction materials, Luxury and Leisure Products, Metallurgy and Metalworking, and Energy and Raw materials) And Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2023 – 2031
The global zircon market size was valued at USD 1.8 Billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass USD 3.54 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period, 2023–2031. The growth of the market is attributed to increasing demand from the ceramic industry owing to rapid urbanization in emerging economies.
Zircon or zirconii is a mineral that belongs to the group of nesosilicates. It possesses excellent hardness, durability, and chemical inertness. It is generally sourced from sedimentary deposits and is a common constituent of various types of sands. The usage of zircon in various industries including foundry, ceramic, and dental implants is creating future industry possibilities for the zircon market.
Zircon occurs as a common accessory mineral in igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks and as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks. It is heat and corrosion-resistant, while possesses uranium and thorium content. Zircon is mainly utilized as an opacifier and used in the ceramics industry. Furthermore, synthetic zircons which are considered copies of natural zircon are available in stores as the natural zircons are expensive in comparison to the synthetic ones.
The market report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted the market, as the pandemic has halted supply chain management. The lockdown resulted in a breakdown in industrial and economic activities owing to which the market growth was hampered amid the pandemic. Moreover, the restrictions regarding travel, import, and export of goods have impacted the construction projects, impacting the market.
Increasing number of foundries, refractories, and nuclear power stations is expected to propel the market growth. The use of zircon in various industries including foundry and ceramic owing to their potential to bind with temperatures, sand binders, and others is expected to drive the zircon market growth.
According to the ZIRCON INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, nearly 54% of zircon is extensively used in the ceramic industry, 14% in the foundry industry, and 11-14% in refractory applications. Thus, with the increased demand for zircon in the industries above, the market is expected to drive in the forecast period.
High tariffs, gaps between demand and supply, and stringent mining policies are expected to hamper the zircon market. The availability of alternative high prices of zircon sand is expected to hinder the market. Moreover, several untreated zircons have a smoky or cloudy appearance which is expected to impact negatively on the buyers. Thus, restraining the zircon market growth.
Rising uses of zirconium alloys for the replacement of steel dental implants and extensive research and development (R&D) activities are expected to create opportunities for the market. With the rising number of dental implants, the demand for zirconium alloys is further boosted during the forecast period. It works well against bacteria compared to other types of metal-based implants.
Research shows that dental implants are expected to increase from 6% to 23% by 2026. Thus, with the growing demand for dental implants, the zircon market is expected to witness opportunities in the coming years.
The market report includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
Zircon Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2022 |
Historic Data |
2016–2021 |
Forecast Period |
2023–2031 |
Segmentation |
Type (Magmatic Zircon, Hydrothermal Zircon, Metamorphic Zircon, and Detrital Zircon), and Application (Glass and Construction materials, Luxury and Leisure Products, Metallurgy and Metalworking, and Energy and Raw materials) |
Regional Scope |
North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered in the Report |
Alkane; Exxaro; IlukaResources; Kenmare; RBM; Tronox; Astron; Zircon Corporation; Chemours; Cristal Mining; Luxfer Group; and Molycorp |
Based on type, the gloabl zircon market is divided into magmatic zircon, hydrothermal zircon, metamorphic zircon, and detrital zircon. The magmatic zircon segment is anticipated to account for a considerable market share. Conversely, the metamorphic zircon segment is expected to grow at a substantial rate during the forecast period.
Based on application, the global zircon market is segmented into glass and construction materials, luxury and leisure products, metallurgy and metalworking, and energy and raw materials. The glass and construction materials segment accounts for a major market share during the forecast period. Zircon brick has high mechanical strength, sound refractoriness under load, excellent thermal shock stability, high creep resistance, and moderate corrosion resistance. This increases its preference for its usage in the lining of glass furnaces.
In terms of region, the global zircon market is segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific holds a dominant position in the zircon market owing to the rising investments in the construction industry. Moreover, growing foreign investment is anticipated to positively influence the market growth.
Key players operating in the global zircon market include Alkane; Exxaro; Iluka Resources; Kenmare; RBM; Tronox; Astron; Zircon Corporation; Chemours; Cristal Mining; Luxfer Group; and Molycorp. These players engage in collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, agreements, and partnerships to strengthen their geographical presence.
The key players in the zircon market includes Alkane; Exxaro; IlukaResources; Kenmare; RBM; Tronox; Astron; Zircon Corporation; Chemours; Cristal Mining; Luxfer Group; and Molycorp
The factors including the uses of zircon in the foundry and ceramic industry are boosting the market.
The global zircon market expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period, 2023–2031
The global zircon market size was valued at USD 1.8 Billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass USD 3.54 Billion by 2031