Sedimentary
and technologic characteristics of bentonitic clays from Gebel Hamza, NE Cairo, Egypt
Gamal M. Attia
Dept. Geology, Fac. Sciences, Menoufia Univ., Egypt |
A recently explored Miocene bentonite deposit is described in terms of its minerals,
petrology and chemical composition. Testing is here carried out in order to evaluate the
deposit and to establish the optimum conditions for drilling mud, foundry sands and
bleaching agents. The deposit is composed of Na-montmorillonite as determined by X-ray
diffraction analysis. Detrital quartz, albite, calcite and dolomite are common impurities.
CM diagram reveals that the deposit was transported in suspension and deposited in a
Miocene basin. Chemical data, technologic specifications and upgrading characteristics
indicate other possible applications for which the deposit can be used such as catalytic
agents in petroleum refining, decolorizing agents, pelletization of iron ore and as a
binding material.
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