Mineralogical characterization of Neogene clay areas from the Jijel basin for ceramic purposes (NE Algeria -Africa)

Clayey marl from four localities in the Neogene basin of Jijel (NE Algeria) were studied by mineralogical and physico-chemical characterization in order to evaluate their potential suitability as raw materials in ceramic applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry are used to establish the mineralogical composition. Chemical and physical properties were carried out by XRF and particle size distribution, consistency limits, calcimetry of Bernard and density of solid particles, respectively. Quartz, clay and calcite were present as dominant mineral phases associated with feldspars, plagioclase and dolomite. The clay minerals prevail in all samples, with kaolinite and illite being the dominant phase and interstratified 10-14 Å and chlorite, comprising the rest of the clay components. The chemical compositions indicated that SiO2 (42-54%), Al2O3 (12-19%) and CaO (2-17%) are major elements while Fe2O3 is less abundant (4-8%). The classification of the clays using appropriate ternary diagrams suggests their possible use in the production of red products like tiles and masonry bricks.