Appraisal of Bekuma Marble for Cement and Dimension Block Production (Published)
The suitability of marble deposits for industrial applications such as cement manufacturing and dimension block production is largely dependent on their mineralogical and chemical characteristics. Two formations of Bekuma marble (Formation I and Formation II) were evaluated for their chemical, physical, and mechanical properties.For Formation I, uniaxial compressive strength, porosity, water absorption, and slake durability were 172 MPa, 0.502%, 88.7%, and 89.3%, respectively. Its X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed dominant oxides of CaO = 39.84%, MgO = 2,28%, and SiO₂ = 19.08%, indicating a high-purity calcitic marble with limited dolomitic influence and minimal siliceous impurities. These characteristics make Formation I suitable for both cement and dimension block production.Formation II, however, recorded a uniaxial compressive strength of 136 MPa, porosity of 0.868%, water absorption of 36.32%, and slake durability of 52.1. Its X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis revealed dominant oxides of CaO = 67.44%, MgO = 10.57%, and SiO₂ = 0.64%. Its higher MgO content and intense fracturing render it unsuitable for cement production, though it may have limited potential as a dimension stone due to its brittleness. Overall, Formation I marble shows a strong economic potential with dense texture, high CaO purity, and good polishability, while Formation II’s chemical and structural characteristics limit its industrial applicability.
Keywords: Bekuma marble, Physical Properties, cement production, dimension stone, mineral evaluation, xrf analysis.