Characterization of Limestone from Cement Plant at Berbera (Republic of Somaliland)

The results of physico-chemical characterization of limestone samples come from the Mesosoic limestone deposit areas in the region of Berbera (Republic of Somaliland) were reported in this paper. The chemical analysis was carried out by X-ray fluorescence analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The physical characterization of limestone samples were performed in laboratory conditions. This investigation provided necessary data for subsequent utilization and exploitation of limestone in this region. The tested material is a good quality and purity. From the chemical composition point of view the tested limestone has a high content of about 96% CaCO3, with small amount of clay minerals and with traces of quartz, which corresponds to the medium purity limestone. It was confirmed, that this limestone is suitable for cement production. The density and porosity measurement indicated that the medium to high density limestone is very compact with porosity lower than 4%. These data very good corresponds to relatively high Young's modulus up to 48 200 MPa and maximum strength of 204 MPa.