Measurement of natural radioactivity and its significant hazards of some hematite samples in Eastern Desert, Egypt

Using high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy, the activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was determined in hematite mineral samples from two different areas, Abu Aggag and Um Gereifat areas, in Eastern Desert of Egypt. The results indicated that all samples under investigation contain 226Ra and 232Th whereas 40K could not be detected. The mean activity concentration values were 14±0.2 and for 226Ra and 232Th, respectively, of samples from Abu Aggag area and 223±7 and of samples from Um Gereifat. Radiological effects were calculated and the results are compared with the internationally accepted values.