Feldspar Price in 2026: Grade, Particle Size, Freight and Quotations

Direct answer: what is the price of feldspar in 2026?

Our review of public statistics, ceramic research and international trade rules leads to a straightforward answer:

There is no single global feldspar price.

A price becomes usable when the offer defines at least:

• feldspar type;
• chemical composition;
• mineralogy;
• limits for colouring oxides;
• particle-size distribution;
• moisture;
• commercial form;
• packaging;
• quantity;
• testing and documentation;
• Incoterm;
• exact delivery location.

The useful question is therefore not only:

“What is the price of one tonne of feldspar?”

It becomes:

“What is the price of one dry tonne of this feldspar, with this composition, this particle size, this documentation, in this packaging and delivered to this location?”

UN Comtrade data published through the World Bank show why this precision is essential. In 2024, average customs unit values calculated from exports declared under HS 252910 varied strongly between countries [4].

Average customs unit value of feldspar exports in 2024

Declared value divided by exported quantity under HS 252910. These averages describe aggregated national flows, not a quotation for one specific grade.

Morocco 26.5 USD/t

Approximately USD 27.45 million for 1.035 billion kg exported.

Thailand 31.4 USD/t

Approximately USD 30.12 million for 958.17 million kg.

Türkiye 50.1 USD/t

Approximately USD 260.61 million for 5.204 billion kg.

India 71.2 USD/t

Approximately USD 65.40 million for 918.50 million kg.

European Union 168.9 USD/t

Approximately USD 17.92 million for 106.12 million kg.

South Africa 368.1 USD/t

Approximately USD 91.88 million for 249.64 million kg.

The spread from approximately USD 26.5/t to USD 368.1/t does not mean the same material was sold at fourteen different prices. It mainly shows that the customs code covers very different commercial flows.

Our reading is therefore:

1. statistics provide market context;
2. the technical specification defines the product;
3. the Incoterm defines the logistics boundary of the price;
4. the quotation defines the actual transaction.

What an average customs unit value represents

HS 252910 corresponds to feldspar in the international statistics reviewed [4].

For a given country, the average unit value is calculated as follows:

Average unit value = declared export value / declared quantity

The result is an indicator in USD per tonne.

It can be used to:

• compare orders of magnitude between countries;
• observe changes in a trade flow;
• identify differences in commercial structure;
• measure the relative importance of an exporting country;
• place an offer in a broad market context.

It does not directly describe:

• Na₂O or K₂O content;
• Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ levels;
• fired whiteness;
• particle-size distribution;
• lumps, grains or powder form;
• level of processing;
• packaging;
• distance to the customer;
• Incoterm;
• volume of a specific order.

Two flows under the same code can therefore involve very different products.

Example of correct interpretation

The calculated Moroccan average for 2024 is close to USD 26.5/t [4].

This figure shows that Morocco exports large volumes under the relevant code. It does not establish that a micronized, dried, bagged powder delivered in Europe should be quoted at USD 26.5/t.

The price of a prepared product may include:

• selective mining;
• crushing;
• washing or beneficiation;
• magnetic separation;
• drying;
• milling;
• classification;
• analyses;
• packaging;
• handling;
• inland transport;
• port operations;
• freight;
• insurance;
• commercial documentation.

Statistics and quotations therefore answer two different questions.

Morocco’s position in global supply

USGS information on Morocco indicates that the country ranked eighth globally in feldspar and nepheline syenite production, with an estimated 2.3% share [3].

The 2024 trade statistics also place Morocco among the leading global feldspar exporters by quantity [4].

Our review highlights three structural advantages:

• a significant mineral base;
• geographic proximity to Western and Southern Europe;
• maritime access to Africa, Europe and other international markets.

Commercial value nevertheless depends on the capacity to transform a resource into a documented industrial product.

This transformation relies on:

• characterization;
• lot-to-lot consistency;
• particle-size preparation;
• control of colouring constituents;
• drying;
• packaging;
• traceability;
• reliable logistics.

Available volume creates a supply base. Added value comes from adapting the material to the customer’s process.

First price factor: sodium, potassium or mixed feldspar

Feldspars are aluminosilicates containing, among other elements, sodium, potassium or calcium. USGS identifies their major role in glass and ceramic manufacturing [2].

In ceramics, they act as fluxes by promoting the formation of a glassy phase during firing.

Sodium feldspar

A sodium-rich product is generally characterized by dominant Na₂O content.

Research comparing sodium and potassium feldspars shows that their densification behaviour is not identical. A body containing sodium-rich feldspar can reach vitrification at a lower temperature in certain formulations [11].

Purchasing criteria may include:

• minimum Na₂O;
• K₂O;
• total alkalis;
• Fe₂O₃;
• TiO₂;
• CaO and MgO;
• loss on ignition;
• particle-size distribution.

Potassium feldspar

Potassium feldspar is selected partly for its K₂O content and its behaviour in the relevant formulation.

It may be required in:

• porcelain;
• sanitary ware;
• selected ceramic bodies;
• glazes;
• defined glass or filler applications.

Sodium-potassium mixtures

Some formulations use a balance between Na₂O and K₂O.

The study by Lewicka and Trenczek-Zajac shows that fired colour depends not only on analytical iron and titanium contents, but also on their state, the material composition and the characteristics of the melt [6].

We therefore do not compare two offers only by the labels “sodium” and “potassium”.

We examine:

1. full composition;
2. required behaviour;
3. firing cycle;
4. colour;
5. fineness;
6. consistency;
7. delivered cost.

Second factor: chemical composition and performance

A chemical analysis may include:

• SiO₂;
• Al₂O₃;
• Na₂O;
• K₂O;
• Fe₂O₃;
• TiO₂;
• CaO;
• MgO;
• loss on ignition.

Total alkalis

Na₂O and K₂O contribute to feldspar’s fluxing function.

A higher alkali content may be required, but industrial value depends on the full formulation.

A buyer should therefore avoid comparing only:

“10% alkalis versus 11% alkalis”

without examining:

• the balance between sodium and potassium;
• impurities;
• mineralogy;
• fineness;
• thermal cycle;
• final product properties.

Alumina

In glassmaking, feldspar supplies alumina, contributing to hardness, durability and resistance to chemical corrosion [2].

The value of glass-grade feldspar therefore depends on how it fits into the complete glass composition.

Loss on ignition and moisture

Loss on ignition and moisture affect:

• the dry mass actually purchased;
• behaviour during heating;
• storage stability;
• transport efficiency;
• equipment feeding.

A cheaper offer on a wet-mass basis can become less favourable when converted to a dry-tonne basis.

Third factor: iron, titanium and fired colour

For white ceramics, sanitary ware, selected porcelain bodies and several glass applications, control of colouring constituents is essential.

The work by Silva et al. specifically investigated reducing Fe₂O₃ in a feldspathic material by flotation and magnetic separation to improve its suitability for white ceramics [8].

This additional preparation has an industrial cost:

• controlled crushing;
• liberation of associated minerals;
• magnetic separation;
• possible flotation;
• fine-particle management;
• drying;
• control analyses;
• tailings management.

A low-iron product can therefore carry a higher value than untreated material from the same origin.

The Fe₂O₃ number is not always sufficient

The study of feldspathic raw materials after firing shows that the result also depends on:

• the state of iron;
• titanium;
• glassy-phase composition;
• Na₂O/K₂O ratio;
• firing atmosphere and temperature [6].

We therefore use a two-level approach:

1. verify product analysis;
2. examine behaviour in the actual formulation.

Fourth factor: particle size and milling level

Feldspar can be sold in several forms:

• run-of-mine or lumps;
• granules;
• calibrated sand or grains;
• powder;
• fine powder;
• micronized powder.

Each particle-size reduction stage requires:

• energy;
• equipment;
• time;
• wear;
• classification;
• dust control;
• quality control.

Why fineness has industrial value

Research on ceramic bodies shows that particle size influences:

• liquid-phase formation;
• densification rate;
• porosity;
• shrinkage;
• water absorption;
• microstructure [7, 10].

Bernasconi et al. compared two flux particle sizes, 45 and 75 µm, together with several sodium and potassium compositions in a sanitary-ware body [7].

Kara et al. also showed that reducing potassium feldspar and quartz particle size changes liquid-phase behaviour and porcelain densification [10].

The word “powder” is therefore not sufficient.

A specification may require:

• residue at 500 µm;
• residue at 200 µm;
• passing at 100 µm;
• D10;
• D50;
• D90 or D97;
• specific surface area;
• full laser-diffraction or sieve distribution.

The finer, tighter and more consistent the required distribution, the more demanding industrial control may become.

Fifth factor: processing and beneficiation

Several operations may be required between the deposit and the delivered product.

Crushing

Crushing reduces lumps and prepares material for milling.

Cost depends on:

• hardness;
• feed size;
• output size;
• throughput;
• equipment wear.

Washing and attrition

These operations may help remove selected clays, dust or surface coatings.

Magnetic separation

It targets, among other phases, selected iron-bearing minerals.

Performance depends on:

• liberation;
• particle size;
• magnetic susceptibility;
• number of passes;
• equipment type.

Flotation

It can be used in selected beneficiation flowsheets to separate mineral phases.

Drying

Drying improves moisture control and prepares material for fine milling or bagging.

Milling and classification

These operations transform coarse material into a controlled product.

Each operation should correspond to a required property. A longer process route is useful only when it creates the quality needed by the customer.

Sixth factor: consistency and documentation

An industrial price also covers the ability to reproduce a grade.

Useful elements include:

• lot identification;
• production date;
• origin;
• sampling method;
• chemical analysis;
• particle-size distribution;
• moisture;
• loss on ignition;
• result archiving;
• retained sample;
• lot-to-lot tolerances.

Typical analysis and lot analysis

A typical analysis describes a usual grade.

A lot analysis documents the material actually prepared or delivered.

The required control level affects:

• number of samples;
• tests;
• lead time;
• laboratory cost;
• stock management;
• lot release.

For recurring supply, consistency can be more valuable than a small initial price difference.

Seventh factor: packaging

Feldspar may be delivered:

• in bulk;
• in tipper trucks;
• in powder tankers;
• in bags;
• in big bags;
• on pallets;
• in containers.

Bulk

Bulk delivery can reduce packaging cost when:

• volumes are sufficient;
• the customer has suitable storage;
• handling is organized;
• moisture and contamination are controlled.

Big bags

They facilitate:

• lot separation;
• storage;
• dosing by unit;
• containerized transport.

They add:

• bag cost;
• filling;
• labelling;
• handling;
• possible pallet cost.

Small bags

They generally increase cost per tonne because of the number of units, labour, pallets and wrapping.

Packaging must be defined before comparing prices.

Eighth factor: quantity and frequency

Volume affects unit cost in several ways.

Fixed costs

Some costs arise regardless of quantity:

• campaign preparation;
• line cleaning;
• adjustment;
• sampling;
• analyses;
• documents;
• logistics booking.

They carry more weight per tonne on a small lot.

Loading transport equipment

A quantity compatible with:

• a full truck;
• a full container;
• a vessel lot;
• a milling campaign;

can improve cost efficiency.

Recurring contract

A regular schedule can facilitate:

• planning;
• stock building;
• transport booking;
• lot control;
• service continuity.

The price should therefore specify:

• quantity per order;
• estimated annual quantity;
• frequency;
• lead time;
• quantity tolerance.

Ninth factor: transport and Incoterm

The International Chamber of Commerce states that Incoterms® rules allocate obligations, costs and risks between seller and buyer [5].

A price without a precisely named place remains incomplete.

EXW

An EXW price may stop at the agreed place where the goods are placed at the buyer’s disposal.

The customer then organizes a large part of the logistics chain.

FCA

FCA can be used when the goods are delivered to the carrier at the named place.

FOB

FOB covers delivery on board a vessel at a named port of shipment and is used for sea or inland waterway transport under ICC rules.

CFR and CIF

These terms include main sea carriage to the named port of destination, with CIF adding an insurance obligation.

DAP

Under DAP, the seller arranges transport to the named destination, with the goods ready for unloading.

Why the exact place changes the price

“Price Europe” is not precise enough.

The request should state:

• port;
• terminal;
• city;
• plant;
• postal code;
• unloading conditions;
• permitted weight;
• access constraints.

A price may include or exclude:

• transport from site to port;
• weighing;
• handling;
• storage;
• export formalities;
• terminal charges;
• freight;
• insurance;
• destination charges;
• customs clearance;
• duties;
• final transport;
• unloading.

How to calculate delivered cost per dry tonne

To compare two offers, we recommend using a dry-mass basis and the same delivery point.

The general structure is:

Delivered cost per dry tonne = total operation cost / dry tonnes actually delivered

Total cost may include:

1. material;
2. beneficiation;
3. milling;
4. drying;
5. analyses;
6. packaging;
7. handling;
8. inland transport;
9. port charges;
10. freight;
11. insurance;
12. formalities;
13. destination charges;
14. final transport.

Converting wet mass to dry mass

When moisture is expressed as a percentage of wet mass:

Dry mass = wet mass × (1 − moisture)

Method example:

• one delivered tonne at 5% moisture;
• dry mass: 0.95 tonne.

The invoiced wet-tonne price should therefore be divided by 0.95 to obtain its dry-tonne equivalent before adding the other costs.

This conversion matters when suppliers offer different moisture levels.

Comparing two quotations point by point

Element	Offer A	Offer B	Check
Feldspar type	Sodium, potassium or mixed	Sodium, potassium or mixed	Same family and use
Na₂O and K₂O	Values and tolerances	Values and tolerances	Compare actual composition
Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂	Limits	Limits	Link to required colour
Particle size	Sieves or D-values	Sieves or D-values	Compare the full distribution
Moisture	Wet or dry basis	Wet or dry basis	Convert to dry tonnes
Packaging	Bulk, big bags, bags	Bulk, big bags, bags	Include associated costs
Analyses	Type, frequency, laboratory	Type, frequency, laboratory	Same control level
Quantity	Per lot and annual	Per lot and annual	Check optimal loading
Incoterm	Rule and named place	Rule and named place	Same logistics boundary
Lead time	Production and transit	Production and transit	Examine continuity

A price difference can be interpreted only after this normalization.

Prices for lumps, grains and powders

Feldspar lumps

The price mainly covers:

• extraction or selection;
• possible sorting;
• primary crushing;
• loading;
• transport.

This form may suit a customer with its own preparation equipment.

Crushed feldspar or grains

It adds:

• secondary crushing;
• screening;
• oversize control;
• possible washing and drying.

Feldspar powder

It adds:

• milling;
• classification;
• dust control;
• silo storage;
• particle-size testing;
• suitable packaging.

Micronized powder

It may require:

• more intensive milling;
• dynamic separation;
• laser particle-size control;
• agglomeration control;
• moisture protection;
• line cleaning between products.

A comparison between lumps and powder that ignores these operations does not describe the same industrial offer.

Ceramic application: which criteria carry the most value?

In a ceramic body, feldspar should not be assessed only as a mineral filler.

It influences:

• liquid-phase formation temperature;
• liquid-phase viscosity;
• densification;
• shrinkage;
• water absorption;
• strength;
• deformation;
• colour;
• microstructure.

The study of Cameroonian clays with added feldspar showed that increasing feldspar content and firing temperature improved several properties and promoted vitrification in the tested formulations [9].

For ceramic purchasing, we recommend defining:

• final product type;
• current formulation;
• feldspar proportion;
• maximum temperature;
• cycle duration;
• target water absorption;
• shrinkage;
• colour;
• strength;
• observed defects.

The best price is not necessarily the lowest raw-material price. It should be assessed against performance in the body.

Glass application: which criteria should be examined?

USGS states that feldspar supplies alumina to glass, contributing to hardness, durability and chemical-corrosion resistance [2].

A glass requirement may cover:

• Al₂O₃;
• Na₂O and K₂O;
• Fe₂O₃;
• particle size;
• moisture;
• homogeneity;
• undesirable elements;
• feeding behaviour.

The cost of a glass-grade product depends on the precision of these criteria and the processing needed to meet them.

Ten frequent mistakes when comparing prices

1. Comparing only the amount per tonne

Two tonnes may have different moisture bases, grades and destinations.

2. Not specifying sodium or potassium feldspar

Behaviour in the formulation can change.

3. Using only total Na₂O + K₂O

The balance between the two alkalis and the other constituents still matters.

4. Ignoring Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂

These constituents can be critical for fired colour and whiteness.

5. Ordering “powder” without a particle-size distribution

Two powders can have very different distributions.

6. Comparing EXW with CIF or DAP

The logistics scopes are not equivalent.

7. Forgetting moisture

The price should be converted to a dry basis where relevant.

8. Not defining packaging

Bulk, big bags and small bags have different costs and constraints.

9. Accepting a generic analysis without tolerances

An average does not define lot-to-lot consistency.

10. Selecting without an industrial trial

A limited analytical difference can produce different behaviour during firing or melting.

Building a usable price request

A structured request should contain the following elements.

Application

• tiles;
• sanitary ware;
• porcelain;
• glaze;
• glass;
• filler;
• another process.

Feldspar type

• sodium;
• potassium;
• mixed;
• open composition based on performance.

Composition

• SiO₂;
• Al₂O₃;
• Na₂O;
• K₂O;
• maximum Fe₂O₃;
• maximum TiO₂;
• CaO;
• MgO;
• loss on ignition.

Particle size

• lumps;
• grain range;
• sieve residue;
• D50;
• D90 or D97;
• test method.

Properties and controls

• moisture;
• whiteness;
• fired colour;
• mineralogy;
• fusion test;
• analysis frequency;
• lot certificate.

Logistics

• trial quantity;
• quantity per order;
• annual volume;
• packaging;
• schedule;
• Incoterm;
• named place;
• final address;
• unloading constraints.

How Minerallum analyses a feldspar request

Our method is based on five stages.

1. Understand the process

We identify:

• final product;
• feldspar function;
• industrial cycle;
• defects to avoid;
• required performance.

2. Translate the requirement into parameters

We structure:

• chemistry;
• mineralogy;
• particle size;
• moisture;
• properties after transformation;
• documentation.

3. Define the commercial form

We compare:

• lumps;
• grains;
• powder;
• micronized powder;
• bulk;
• big bags;
• small bags.

4. Build the logistics cost

We define:

• quantity;
• loading;
• inland transport;
• port;
• freight;
• destination;
• Incoterm.

5. Compare on a common basis

We convert offers to:

• one dry tonne;
• equivalent quality;
• the same control level;
• the same delivery point;
• a comparable schedule.

This method turns an isolated price into a supply decision.

Conclusion: the right price is the price of a defined product

Our research shows that feldspar price in 2026 should be read at four levels.

The market

International statistics provide:

• volumes;
• declared values;
• leading exporters;
• average unit values.

They show considerable dispersion among flows under HS 252910 [4].

The product

Value depends on:

• sodium or potassium type;
• composition;
• colouring oxides;
• particle size;
• moisture;
• processing;
• consistency.

The supply

The price includes:

• quantity;
• control;
• packaging;
• handling;
• availability;
• lead time.

The delivery

The Incoterm and named place determine which logistics stages are included [5].

The most useful request is therefore not:

“Send us your best feldspar price.”

It becomes:

“Here is our application, composition, particle size, iron and titanium limits, moisture, analyses, tonnage, packaging, Incoterm and destination.”

From this basis, Minerallum can compare solutions consistently, connect the preparation level to the application and build a clear view of delivered cost.