Maastritchian Limestones of Feriana Mountain used in White Cement Production (Central West Tunisia)

Abstract

The Campanian to early Maastrichtian period is marked by important deposits of limestones in most parts of Tunisia and Algeria. These limestones form the so‐called “Abiod formation”. The present paper focuses on the ability of limestones of Feriana Mountain (Jebel Feriana), Central West part of Tunisia, to produce high‐quality white cement clinker. From detailed experimental and analytical techniques' data, the limestones of Abiod formation are particularly characterized by a high purity degree and whiteness index. They have a bright white color with a slight visible tendency toward yellow‐red. Based on Bogue calculation, X‐ray diffraction, and microscopical point‐count methods, these particular limestones can conveniently form a white Portland cement when mixed with ∼12.5% of Neogene sands of Maamoura syncline and 7–10% by weight of common Mediterranean kaolins.