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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Deposits".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2020) | Viewed by 49848

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Prof. Dr. Maite Garcia-Valles

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Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Applied Geology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Interests: industrial minerals; ceramics and glass-ceramic; bioceramics; glass; geopolymers; wastes recycling
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Dear Colleagues,

Human history has developed in parallel with industrial minerals. They are part of our daily routines, and have a great impact on the world economy. Industrial minerals include minerals and rocks that, depending on their physical and chemical properties, are used, directly or with treatment, in the manufacturing of products, such as ceramics, glass, cement, biomaterials, geopolymers, and even in the recycling of wastes. These can become raw materials in some industrial process and reduce the extraction of other materials and, therefore, contribute to the so-called environmental ecology.

Given the large volume of materials used, it is necessary to know from where they can be exploited, their mineralogy and properties, in order to determine the most suitable application in each case.

The thermodynamic behavior of industrial minerals is critically important at the time of being processed since it entails important economic repercussions. Well-controlled mineral dynamics (changes in compositions of phases, textures, etc.) during industrial processing is necessary to optimize the product. Moreover, in the case of reused wastes, an exhaustive control of the neoformed minerals and the position in the structure of the toxic elements must be controlled to ensure their stability.

Prof. Dr. Maite Garcia-Valles
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Clays
zeolites
Borates
Feldspars
Carbonates
Phosphates
Ceramic
Biomaterials
Glass
Cement
Geopolymers

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue “Industrial Minerals”

by Maite Garcia-Valles

Minerals 2021, 11(2), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/min11020129 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1461

Abstract

Industrial minerals play an important role in keeping our society running, as they are used in a wide range of industrial and domestic applications [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

14 pages, 3203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Tailings to Make Glass as an Alternative for Sustainable Environmental Remediation: The Case of Osor, Catalonia, Spain

by Pura Alfonso, Oriol Tomasa, Luis Miguel Domenech, Maite Garcia-Valles, Salvador Martinez and Núria Roca

Minerals 2020, 10(9), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10090819 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2884

Abstract

Tailings from the Osor fluorite mines release large amounts of potentially toxic elements into the environment. This work is a proposal to remove these waste materials and use them as a raw material in the manufacture of glass. The chemical composition of the tailings was determined by X-ray fluorescence and the mineralogy by X-ray diffraction. Waste materials have SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and CaO contents suitable for a glass production, but Na as NaCO₃ has to be added. Two glass formulations, with 80–90% of the residue and 10–20% Na₂CO₃, have been produced. The crystallization temperatures, obtained by differential thermal analysis, were 875 and 901 °C, and the melting temperatures were 1220 and 1215 °C for the G_80-20 and G_90-10 glasses, respectively. The transition temperatures of glass were 637 and 628 °C. The crystalline phases formed in the thermal treatment to produce devitrification were nepheline, plagioclase and diopside in the G_80-20 glass, and plagioclase and akermanite-gehlenite in the G_90-10 glass. The temperatures for the fixed viscosity points, the working temperatures and the coefficient of expansion were obtained. The chemical stability of the glass was tested and results indicate that the potentially toxic elements of the tailings were incorporated into the glass structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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21 pages, 5368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production, Reserves, and Processing of Feldspar and Feldspathoid Rocks in the Czech Republic from 2005 to 2019—An Overview

by Jan Zahradník, Jakub Jirásek, Jaromír Starý and Martin Sivek

Minerals 2020, 10(8), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10080722 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7209

Abstract

This paper aims to characterize and interpret the trends in reserves, resources, and mine production of feldspar and feldspathoid rocks during 2005–2019 in the Czech Republic. With over 101 Mt of total resources and 22 Mt of reserves, feldspar belongs to the crucial industrial minerals of the Czech Republic. With annual outputs of approximately 400–450 kt of feldspars and 20–35 kt of feldspathoid rocks (nepheline syenite), the Czech Republic ranks among the top European and world feldspar producers. Most of the production comes from leucocratic granitoid rocks (key active deposit: Krásno-Vysoký Kámen), followed by sedimentary rocks (key active deposit: Halámky), and granitic pegmatites (key active deposit: Luženičky). Nepheline syenite is mined at a single deposit. All deposits are extracted from open pits (quarries). Ongoing geological prospecting and exploration for new deposits are increasing available reserves and resources. The feldspar raw materials are used in the domestic glass and ceramic industries, while more than 50% is exported, generally to Poland and Germany. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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11 pages, 3186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composition and Technological Properties of Clays for Structural Ceramics in Limpopo (South Africa)

by Lawrence Diko-Makia and Rofhiwa Ligege

Minerals 2020, 10(8), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10080700 - 07 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3563

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of raw clays from the Mukondeni region for structural ceramics and pottery based on traditional firing techniques. Physical properties were identified by particle size distribution, consistency limits, and clay activity. Mineralogical and chemical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Extruded clay bodies were fired at 900 °C. Technological characteristics were measured by weight loss (WL), bulk density (BD), dry linear shrinkage (DLS), fired linear shrinkage (FLS), water absorption (WA), and flexural strength (FS). The clays were low in <2 µm fractions (≤19%) and of medium to high plasticity with a clayey silt texture. Smectite was the dominant clay mineral while quartz and feldspar were major non clay minerals. The most abundant oxides were SiO₂ (63.57–68.73%), Al₂O₃ (13.9–15.61%), and Fe₂O₃ (4.86–6.18%), whereas K₂O, CaO, MgO, Na₂O, TiO₂, and P₂O₅ were depleted. Characterization based on the clay workability chart, Winkler’s diagram, and compositional ternary diagrams revealed acceptable extrusion properties and suitability for structural ceramics and earthenware. The clays showed acceptable WL, BD, LS, and WA, but unsatisfactory FS (≤1.08 MPa). Low mechanical strength was attributed to presence of smectites and inert nature of feldspar at 900 °C. Beneficiation through mixing with carbonate-rich raw materials is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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12 pages, 3218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ladle Steel Slag in Activated Systems for Construction Use

by Diego Aponte, Oriol Soto Martín, Susana Valls del Barrio and Marilda Barra Bizinotto

Minerals 2020, 10(8), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10080687 - 31 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3265

Abstract

The construction industry needs to reduce greenhouse gases, in which cement production is currently responsible for generating between 4% and 6% of the total CO₂ released into the atmosphere. Similarly, many industries produce large amounts of solid waste, which often have low value-added applications or are directly taken to landfills, with consequent negative environmental impacts. One of these industries is the steel industry, which in 2016 generated 18.4 Mt of slag (melting and refining slag) among all European Union countries. In terms of refining steel slag (ladle or white slag), it is estimated that for each ton of steel, between 20 and 30 kg of slag is produced; that is, in 2016, more than 700,000 tons of white slag were generated. It is also known that this material has cementitious properties and can be used as a precursor in alkaline activation processes. Depending on the concentrations used of the activating agent, a higher or lower mechanical performance of the developed materials can be obtained. This work studied the alkali activation of a ladle slag used to manufacture mortars, subjecting them to an initial curing of 24 h at different temperatures (20, 40, and 70 °C). Sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide were used as activating agents, using percentages of Na₂O between 5% and 10% to obtain an optimal dosage of the activator. The physical and mechanical properties of the mortars were evaluated at different ages of curing. In addition, monitoring was undertaken of linear shrinkage due to drying and the mineralogical changes due to activation and curing time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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11 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Framework for Monitoring and Control of the Production of Calcined Kaolin

by Adriana Guatame-Garcia and Mike Buxton

Minerals 2020, 10(5), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10050403 - 29 Apr 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2454

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for sustainable products and services, the kaolin calcination industry is developing practices that optimise the use of resources. The main challenges include more efficient use of raw materials and a reduction in the energy consumed by the calcination furnace. An opportunity to achieve this lies in the optimisation of the calcination process. This can be done by giving real-time feedback on the quality parameters of the generated calcined kaolin. This study proposes the use of infrared spectroscopy as a monitoring technique to determine the chemical properties of the calcined kaolin product. The basis of the monitoring system is the measurement of the kaolin soluble alumina content as one of the most important quality parameters; this property is an indicator of the over- or under-use of raw materials and energy during the calcination process and can advise the operations regarding the optimisation of the working conditions of the furnace. The implementation of an infrared-based monitoring system would lead to increased efficiency in the production of calcined kaolin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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17 pages, 3165 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Talc from Two Mexican Ore Deposits (Oaxaca and Puebla) and Nine Talcs Marketed in Mexico: Evaluation of Its Cosmetic Uses

by Teresa Pi-Puig, Dante Yosafat Animas-Torices and Jesús Solé

Minerals 2020, 10(5), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10050388 - 26 Apr 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5662

Abstract

The detailed mineralogical, physical and chemical characterization of nine samples of imported cosmetic talc and of two samples of talc from currently non-productive Mexican ore deposits (Oaxaca and Puebla States) is presented. The imported cosmetic talc was classified into two groups, considering whether they are packed in the country of origin or in Mexico and considering their price. X-ray diffraction, infrared short wave, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used for mineralogical characterization. For the physical characterization, colorimetry and laser granulometry were used. The chemical composition (major, trace elements) was studied by ICP-MS. It was concluded that only the highest priced and imported in packaged form talcs meet the specific purity requirements for a talc of cosmetic type. The talcs that are packed in Mexico and the talc of the studied Mexican deposits present mineralogical and chemical impurities that make their use difficult in the manufacture of high-quality cosmetic talc. The low-price talc should not be sold as cosmetic talc, and the regulations in Mexico on this subject should be reviewed and updated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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15 pages, 4172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical and Thermal Characterization of Kaolinitic Clays from Terra Alta (Catalonia, Spain)

by Maite Garcia-Valles, Pura Alfonso, Salvador Martínez and Núria Roca

Minerals 2020, 10(2), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10020142 - 07 Feb 2020

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3935

Abstract

This research characterizes the kaolinitic clays from Cretaceous–Paleocene lateritic deposits of Terra Alta (south Catalonia) to evaluate their possible applications. The outcrops and quarries belong to the Horta de Sant Joan and Pinell de Brai areas. The chemical composition, mineralogy, rheological behavior, particle size distribution and plasticity are determined. The Fe and Ti⁴⁺ contents prevent them from being directly used as raw material for white ceramics. The mineralogy consists of kaolinite with quartz, illite, hematite, and minor K-feldspar and calcite. Most of the area comprises medium plastic clays that are classified as fired clays and can be used as ceramic and construction materials. In Horta de Sant Joan, a kaolinitic-rich level, up to 75 wt % of kaolinite, is highly crystalline with low plasticity and can be classified as flint clay, useful as a refractory clay. The evaluated kaolinitic clays can also be used to obtain a triaxial ceramic when they are mixed with feldspar to act as a fluxing agent and chamotte. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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13 pages, 7903 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mineralogical Characterization of Dolomitic Aggregate Concrete: The Camarasa Dam (Catalonia, Spain)

by Encarnación Garcia, Pura Alfonso and Esperança Tauler

Minerals 2020, 10(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10020117 - 29 Jan 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3964

Abstract

The Camarasa Dam was built in 1920 using dolomitic aggregate and Portland cement with two different compositions: type A (dolomite and Portland cement) and type B (dolomite and sand-cement). The sand cement was a finely powdered mixture of dolomite particles and clinker of Portland cement. The mineralogy of concrete was studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray powder diffraction. Reaction of dedolomitization occurred in the two types of concrete of the Camarasa Dam, as demonstrated by the occurrence of calcite, brucite, and/or absence of portlandite. In the type A concrete, calcite, brucite, and a serpentine-group mineral precipitated as a rim around the dolomite grains and in the paste. The rims, a product of the dedolomitization reaction, protected the surface of dolomite from the dissolution process. In type B concrete, in addition to dolomite and calcite, quartz and K-feldspar were present. Brucite occurred in lower amounts than in the type A concrete as fibrous crystals randomly distributed in the sand-cement paste. Although brucite content was higher in the type A concrete, type B showed more signs of loss of durability. This can be attributed to the further development of the alkali-silica reaction in this concrete type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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23 pages, 7659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geological Prospection of Placer Chromium Deposits in the Waropen Regency—Indonesia (New Guinea) Using the Method of Indicator Minerals

by Karol Zglinicki, Paweł Kosiński, Adam Piestrzyński and Krzysztof Szamałek

Minerals 2020, 10(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10020094 - 22 Jan 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4777

Abstract

Indicator minerals (IM) have been used in the research of gemstone and base metals for over 100 years. IMs are a main source of information about the occurrence of deposits, hydrothermal and weathering changes, as well as bedrock source and type. Since 2013, base metal mineral exploration has taken place on New Guinea Island (the Indonesian part). The analysis of chromian spinels as IM in beach and river sediments led to the discovery of rich chromian-bearing deposits in the Botawa River sediments. The dominant detrital minerals include chromian spinels, olivine, pyroxenes and serpentine. The source of chromian spinels, olivine and pyroxenes are most likely peridotites from the Earth’s mantle zone of the ophiolite series, generated under supra-subduction conditions. The terrigenous deposits contain metamorphic minerals, such as staurolites, andalusites, epidotes, amphiboles and fragments of micas, quartz and chlorite schists. Using ICP-MS analysis of the beach sands, the concentration of Cr₂O₃ was determined to be at the level of 1.17%, while in the heavy minerals concentrate from the Botawa River sediment, the content of Cr₂O₃ amounts to 24.83%. The authors conclude that the west parts of the Van Rees Mountains are the probable parent rocks for chromium-bearing sediments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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20 pages, 3768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Supervised Machine-Learning Methods for Attesting Provenance in Catalan Traditional Pottery Industry

by Anna Anglisano, Lluís Casas, Marc Anglisano and Ignasi Queralt

Minerals 2020, 10(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/min10010008 - 20 Dec 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3445

Abstract

The traditional pottery industry was an important activity in Catalonia (NE Spain) up to the 20th century. However, nowadays only few workshops persist in small villages were the activity is promoted as a touristic attraction. The preservation and promotion of traditional pottery in Catalonia is part of an ongoing strategy of tourism diversification that is revitalizing the sector. The production of authenticable local pottery handicrafts aims at attracting cultivated and high-purchasing power tourists. The present paper inspects several approaches to set up a scientific protocol based on the chemical composition of both raw materials and pottery. These could be used to develop a seal of quality and provenance to regulate the sector. Six Catalan villages with a renowned tradition of local pottery production have been selected. The chemical composition of their clays and the corresponding fired products has been obtained by Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Using the obtained geochemical dataset, a number of unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods have been applied to test their applicability to define geochemical fingerprints that could allow inter-site discrimination. The unsupervised approach fails to distinguish samples from different provenances. These methods are only roughly able to divide the different provenances in two large groups defined by their different SiO₂ and CaCO₃ concentrations. In contrast, almost all the tested supervised methods allow inter-site discrimination with accuracy levels above 80%, and accuracies above 85% were obtained using a meta-model combining all the predictive supervised methods. The obtained results can be taken as encouraging and demonstrative of the potential of the supervised approach as a way to define geochemical fingerprints to track or attest the provenance of samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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61 pages, 54144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineralogical Diversity of Ca₂SiO₄-Bearing Combustion Metamorphic Rocks in the Hatrurim Basin: Implications for Storage and Partitioning of Elements in Oil Shale Clinkering

by Ella V. Sokol, Svetlana N. Kokh, Victor V. Sharygin, Victoria A. Danilovsky, Yurii V. Seryotkin, Ruslan Liferovich, Anna S. Deviatiiarova, Elena N. Nigmatulina and Nikolay S. Karmanov

Minerals 2019, 9(8), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/min9080465 - 30 Jul 2019

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4826

Abstract

This is the first attempt to provide a general mineralogical and geochemical survey of natural Ca₂SiO₄-bearing combustion metamorphic (CM) rocks produced by annealing and decarbonation of bioproductive Maastrichtian oil shales in the Hatrurim Basin (Negev Desert, Israel). We present a synthesis of data collected for fifteen years on thirty nine minerals existing as fairly large grains suitable for analytical examination. The Hatrurim Ca₂SiO₄-bearing CM rocks, which are natural analogs of industrial cement clinker, have been studied comprehensively, with a focus on several key issues: major- and trace-element compositions of the rocks and their sedimentary precursors; mineral chemistry of rock-forming phases; accessory mineralogy; incorporation of heavy metals and other trace elements into different phases of clinker-like natural assemblages; role of trace elements in stabilization/destabilization of Ca₂SiO₄ polymorphic modifications; mineralogical diversity of Ca₂SiO₄-bearing CM rocks and trace element partitioning during high-temperature–low-pressure anhydrous sintering. The reported results have implications for mineral formation and element partitioning during high-temperature–low-pressure combustion metamorphism of trace element-loaded bituminous marine chalky sediments (“oil shales”) as well as for the joint effect of multiple elements on the properties and hydration behavior of crystalline phases in industrial cement clinkers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industrial Minerals)

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