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.
Determination of the Suitable Engineering Applications of Ilekpi Calcium Carbonate Formation for Foundary, Refractories, Paint Glass and Ceramics (Published)
The engineering applications of carbonate formation depend on its physical, chemical and other properties. The chemical composition of carbonate formation from Ilekpi, Akoko Edo Local Government, Edo State, Nigeriawas determined using X Ray Fluorescence – analysis. The results from the formation shows that the major oxides obtained from the X Ray Fluorescence analysis includes: SiO2, MgO, and Al2O3. The entire samples revealed high SiO2 content resulting from high value of quartz mineral. The average SiO2 content is 91.06% with the next oxide being MgO of 5.61%. The formation is predominantly a dolomite quartz formation and having low Al2O3 value of 0.92% and high SiO2 value of 98.6% makes it suitable for refractory industry.
Keywords: Carbonate Formation, Chemical Properties, Physical Properties, engineering applications, xrf analysis.