Mineral processors and power generators have relied on inorganic potassium silicate brick mortars structural polymer concretes and gunite linings to protect infrastructure and equipment against the ravages of corrosion. While resistant to strong organic mineral and oxidizing acids potassium silicate materials contain silica making them ill-suited for use in fluoride acid service. Owing to the materials’ characteristic properties the approach to designing structures and linings with these materials is not analogous to that for organic polymer composites. This paper presents an introduction to the capabilities and limitations of potassium silicate materials; examples of their use in the aforementioned industries; and insight into design features unique to the structures and linings in which they are used.