The potential use of Tithonian-Barremian detrital deposits from central Tunisia as raw materials for ceramic tiles and pigments

The main constituents of the Barremian sands are quartz and K-feldspars. Lab-scale tests were carried out to produce blue Co-olivine and Co-willemite pigments. Formulations showed stability and high crystallinity after calcination at 1300 °C. CIELab measurements confirmed the development of interesting blue coloration by the pigments when applied in transparent and opaque glazes. Their coloring performance was similar to that of the commercial equivalents tested.