Mineralogical and chemical composition analysis of some saudian raw materials

Abstract

This work aims at studying the solid phase composition and chemical constitution of some mineralogical raw materials widespread in Gholaa and Osfan regions, Khulais Governorate, in the western area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ten samples were investigated through their phase composition using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Four of which were selected for further investigations. The quantitative phase compositions of the selected samples were calculated from XRD data. Their chemical constitutions were determined using x-ray fluorescence technique (XRF). The microstructure of one selected sample was depicted using scanning electron microscope attached with EDAX unit to analyze elementary some selected crystals. Most of the investigated samples composed mainly of albite mineral (NaAlSiO₃) and they are suitable for glass ceramic industries. One sample contains considerable contents of quartz (SiO₂) and kaolinite (Al₂O₃.2SiO₂.2H₂O) in addition to albite; it is suitable for the cement, brick and ceramic industry. Some minerals were present in varying amounts in the samples namely; chlorite (Mg₆Si₄O₁₀(OH)₈), chamosite (Fe₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄), chabazite (CaSrAl silicate), biotite (H₄K₂Mg₆Al₂Si₆O₂), microcline (KAlSi₃O₈), montimorillonite (Mg.Al₂O₃.5SiO₂.xH₂O), hematite (Fe₂O₃) tremolite (Na_0.11Ca_1.69Mg_4.6Fe_0.48Al_0.29Si_7.82O₂₂(OH)₂), kaolinite (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) and anatase (TiO₂). Based on their chemical and mineralogical compositions the raw materials are suitable for various chemical, mineralogical, and engineering applications.