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Industrial applications of the dolomite from Potamia, Thassos Island, N. Aegean Sea, Greece

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Abstract

The examined dolomite is composed of 98% of mineral dolomite and 2% of calcite. Other silicates (i.e. quartz) exist only in trace amounts. This dolomite presents intense orange luminescence colour, indicating the absence of impurities and thus high purity. Its chemical composition is: CaO=32.9%, MgO=20.2%, CO2=46.7%, others=0.14% and its isotopic composition is δ18O=−3.10‰ and δ13C=+3.40‰. These values indicate that this dolomite has been formed mainly by recrystallisation of pre-existing limestone with simultaneous or subsequent partial substitution of CaCO3 by MgCO2 (dolomitisation). The data of its most important physicochemical properties are: water absorption=0.2%, water dissolution=0.17%, surface area=1.10 m2/g, pH=10.0, oil absorption=24 ml/100 g and brightness=97%. These data satisfy almost all the quality demands for use of its wastes after processing for the production of many industrial products. The most significant fields of use of the dolomite from Potamia, except its main world-wide demand as decorative stone, may be: as filler, whitening, and extender product in many paper, paint, and rubber industries; in addition, it can be used for the production of fertilisers.

Résumé

La dolomite etudiée se compose de 98% de dolomite minérale et de 2% de calcite. Les autres silicates (tel que le quartz) existent seulement en traces. Cette dolomite présente en luminescence une couleur intense orange, indiquant l'absence d'impuretés et de ce fait une grande pureté. Sa composition chimique est: CaO=32,9%, MgO=20,2%, CO2=46,7%, autres=0,14%; sa composition isotopique est: δ18O=−3,10‰ et δ13C=+3,40‰. Ces valeurs indiquent que cette dolomite a été formée surtout par recristallisation d'un calcaire pré-existant avec substitution simultanée ou substitution partielle subséquente du CaCO3 par MgCO3 (dolomitisation). Les données les plus importantes concernant les propriétés physico-chimiques sont: l'absorption de l'eau=0,2%, la dissolution de l'eau=0,17%, la surface spécifique=1,10 m2/g, le pH=10,0, l'absorption d'huile=24 ml/100 g et la brillance=97%. Ces données satisfont presque toutes les exigences de qualité quant à l'usage de ses déchets, après traitement pour la fabrication d'un certain nombre des produits industriels. Les usages les plus significatifs de la dolomite de Potamia, exception faite de sa demande universelle en tant que pierre décorative, sont les suivants: elle peut servir de filler, de produit de blanchissement ou de blanc de charge dans beaucoup d'industries (papier, peinture et caoutchouc). En plus, elle peut être utilisée pour la production d'engrais.

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  1. School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 540 06, Thessaloniki, Greece

    A. Tsirambides

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Editorial Note Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is a RILEM Associate Member.

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Tsirambides, A. Industrial applications of the dolomite from Potamia, Thassos Island, N. Aegean Sea, Greece. Mat. Struct. 34, 110–113 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02481559

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