Mineralogical Study And Evaluation Of Some South Libya-Clays As A Source Of AI2O3,Extraction

This work aims at evaluation of some local clays widespread in south Libya as a source of AI2O3 extraction as an alternative to traditionally used bauxite which rarely present specially in Arab countries. Eight clay batches from different eight locations were selected, one from Sebha (12 km away from Sebaha city, Sebha-Tamnhent road), two from north Agar referred to as north Agar 1 (Wadi elrajm, 2 km-north Agar) and north Agar 2 (Bear elshorakaa, 4 km-north Agar), two from west Agar referred to as west Agar 1 (2km-west Agar, 2-4 south Brak main road) and west Agar 2 (Hay elazma, 1 km-west Agar, south Brak main road), two from west Ashkeda referred to as west Ashkeda 1 (2km-west Ashkeda) and west Ashkeda 2 (1.5 km-west Ashkeda, 1 km-south of Brak main road) and finally, one from Gotta (in Tarout, 5km-souh Brak main road). The selected clay batches were processed i.e., crushed, finely grinded and sieved completely through 75 micron standard sieve. Representative samples obtained using quartering technique were investigated individually through their mineralogical compositions using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis (thermogravimetry; TG and differential thermal analysis; DTA) techniques. It was concluded that two of the eight investigated samples selected from Sebha and north Agar 2 locations are highly pure kaolinite (2SiO2. AI2O3. 2H2O) without any other impurities, so they are strongly recommended as a source of AI2O3 extraction. Sample selected from west Agar 2 location composed mainly of kaolinite with some impurities namely; natroalunite [Na Al3(SO4)2(OH)6] and laumontite [Ca (Al2Si4O12). 4H2O], however it is also recommended as a source of AI2O3 extraction because the impurities are also rich with AI2O3. Samples selected from nordi Agar 1, West Ashkeda 1 and gotta locations can be considered as a moderate source of AI2O3 with expected relatively lower content compared with samples Horn Sebha and aorth Agar 2. On the other hand, samples selected from north Ashkeda 2 and west Agar 1 locations are not recommended as a source of Al2O3 because of their very low content of kaolinite mineral, they are composed niainly of gypsum and quartz, respectively.