The Maastrichtian-Danian Dakhla Formation, Eastern Desert, Egypt: Utilization in manufacturing lightweight aggregates

The Dakhla Formation at Um El Hueitat area, south of Safaga City, Eastern Desert, Egypt is composed mainly of shale with some marl, limestone and phosphate intercalations. Suitability of the technological sample representing smectitic-rich clay deposits of the Dakhla Formation for lightweight product was studied. The mineralogical and chemical compositions of the technological sample indicate that it is suitable for manufacturing lightweight bloated clay aggregate. This was done by processing its plastic pellets through firing to 1000-1300 °C.