Physical weathering of marbles caused by anisotropic thermal expansion

 Marbles as building stones as well as in their natural environments show complex weathering phenomena. The most important damage scenario is based on the highly anisotropic thermal expansion coefficient α of calcite, i.e. extreme expansion parallel and contraction normal to the crystallographic c-axis. Therefore, the rock fabric and especially the lattice-preferred orientation (texture) of calcite and/or dolomite as the predominant mineral phases in marbles have a significant influence on the mechanical weathering. The textures of marbles from five different locations vary from a more or less perfect prolate to moderate oblate shape of the [006] pole figure tensor. Accordingly, the texture-derived bulk thermal dilatation anisotropy covers a broad range from –0.048 to 0.680. The modelled thermal dilatations correlate with those obtained from experimental measurements. The difference in magnitude is basically explained by the microcrack fabrics which was not considered in the computations. All samples show a deterioration due to thermal treatment regardless of the strength of texture. The directional dependence of (a) the total magnitude of the thermal dilatation coefficient and (b) of the residual strain is highest in marbles with a strong texture, whereas the Carrara marble with a weak texture exhibits a uniform crack formation. The progressive loss of cohesion along grain boundaries due to dilatancy may serve as an example for the initial stage of physical weathering. Received: 10 February 1999 / Accepted: 16 October 1999     

Prediction of weathering by thermal degradation of a coarse-grained marble using ultrasonic pulse velocity

Engineering properties of building stones can vary because of degradation by weathering agents. Thermal fluctuation is one of the most important agents on deteriorations such as sugaring, bowing, cracking and spalling of marble. As a result, physical and mechanical properties of marble used in the construction of old and/or modern structures are adversely affected by time. On the other hand, some properties of building stones are always required for decision of rehabilitation works. Several kinds of conventional tests have been suggested for characterization of stones, to measure their properties or to evaluate conservation or repair works. However, in most cases, sampling from historical buildings is not possible. Therefore, nondestructive testing methods are often suggested for the prediction of weathering grade of building stones. One of the most practical methods for similar purposes is ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement, which can be performed easily. The main goal of this study is attainment of sound empirical correlations between the ultrasonic pulse velocity and engineering properties of previously deteriorated marble. Experimental works were conducted on seven different specimen categories of a coarse-grained marble having different micro-crack frequencies induced by both cyclical heating–cooling and freeze–thaw actions. The experimental results indicated that physical and mechanical properties of Mu?la marble can be reliably estimated for different environmental cases by ultrasonic pulse velocities. P-wave velocities in dry and saturated cases are two sound indicators of both the apparent porosity and the coefficient of capillary absorption, and whereby the sugaring type of deterioration for coarse-grained marbles.     

Marble decay induced by thermal strains: simulations and experiments

Thermoelastic behavior of different marble types was analyzed using computational modeling and experimental measurements. Eight marble samples with different composition, grain size, grain boundary geometry, and texture were investigated. Calcitic and dolomitic marbles were considered. The average grain size varies from 75 μm to 1.75 mm; grain boundary geometry differs from nearly equigranular straight grain boundaries to inequigranular-interlobate grain boundaries. Four typical marble texture types were observed by EBSD measurements: weak texture; strong texture; girdle texture and high-temperature texture. These crystallographic orientations were used in conjunction with microstructure-based finite element analysis to compute the thermoelastic responses of marble upon heating. Microstructural response maps highlight regions and conditions in the marble fabric that are susceptible to degradation phenomena. This behavior was compared to the measured thermal expansion behavior, which shows increasing residual strains upon repetitive heating–cooling cycles. The thermal expansion behavior as a function of temperature changes can be classified into four categories: (a) isotropic thermal expansion with small or no residual strain; (b) anisotropic thermal expansion with small or no residual strain; (c) isotropic thermal expansion with a residual strain; and (d) anisotropic thermal expansion with residual strain. Thermal expansion coefficients were calculated for both simulated and experimental data and also modeled from the texture using the MTEX software. Fabric parameters control the amount and directional dependence of the thermal expansion. Marbles with strong texture show higher directional dependence of the thermal expansion coefficients and have smaller microstructural values of the maximum principal stress and strain energy density, the main precursors of microcracking throughout the marble fabric. In contrast, marbles with weak texture show isotropic thermal expansion behavior, have a higher propensity to microcracking, and exhibit higher values of maximum principal stress and strain energy density. Good agreement between the experimental and computational results is observed, demonstrating that microstructure-based finite-element simulations are an excellent tool for elucidating influences of rock fabric on thermoelastic behavior.     

Preliminary results of a first record of gold and uranium in marble from Central Eastern Desert, Egypt: a witness for (syn- and post-?) metamorphic mineralization in metasediments

This paper records, for the first time, the mineralization of gold (0.98–2.76 ppm) and uranium (133–640 ppm) in marbles from the Arabian-Nubian Shield of the Eastern Desert of Egypt. These auriferous and uraniferous marbles are hosted by sheared and altered ophiolitic serpentinized ultramafic rocks of Gebel El-Rukham (ER), Wadi Daghbag (DG), and Wadi Al Barramiyah (BM). They occur as massive or banded in pod-like or bedded shapes. The ER and BM-mineralized marbles are impure calcitic, whereas the DG marble is impure calcitic to impure dolomitic. Their protolith are pure limestones and dolomitic limestones with probable argillaceous components (BM marble), and their metamorphism (Pan-African) was retrograde. Peaks of metamorphism were at granulite-amphibolite facies for the ER and BM marbles, forming diopside (Al₂O₃?=?0.17–1.07 wt.%) at 600–900°C and augite (Al₂O₃?=?2.45–9.40 wt.%) at 825–975°C, and at the amphibolite facies for DG marble, recrystallising the carbonate minerals and forming tremolite. The lowest temperatures of metamorphism were at the upper subgreenschist facies as chlorite (ER and BM marbles) and kaolinite (DG marble) were formed. Metamorphic fluids were, most probably, essentially binary H₂O–CO₂ mixtures with low NaCl and HF concentrations. Gold in the studied mineralized marbles occurs as native nuggets (10–35 μm) having globule, rod, crescent, and streak shapes, in pores, vugs, and fissures. The source of gold in all marbles is mostly the country ultramafic rocks. Timing of gold mineralization relative to the marblization and metamorphism of the country source ultramafic rocks was both syn- and post-metamorphic. Concerning the ER and DG marbles, it was syn-metamorphic, where Au liberation and transportation were mostly by the metamorphic fluids. The composition and temperature of these fluids were most probably inappropriate for formation of the sulfide complexes of gold. The gold mineralization of BM marble, on the other hand, was mostly post-metamorphic. The mineralising fluid was of surficial origin under oxidizing conditions. The encountered uranium minerals are of secondary origin such as autunite, uranophane, and carnotite. These minerals occur as fine oval aggregates and irregular grains (10–50 μm) usually filling fissures and vugs. The uranium mineralization can be classified as surficial of ages <1.5 Ma. It is proposed that the U was transported from its source (might be flesite and trachyte dikes for the ER and DG marbles and granite rocks for BM marble) to the marble rocks by surface and/or underground water related to the pluvial periods in Egypt. In BM marble, U and Au have mutual mineralizing fluid but different paragenesis.     

X射线荧光光谱分析技术在大理岩鉴定与分类中的应用

大理岩的鉴定与分类主要依靠岩石薄片鉴定及X射线衍射(XRD)矿物半定量检测技术。工作中发现,岩石薄片鉴定技术及XRD矿物半定量检测技术所测得矿物组分含量很少一致,这就需要引入其他技术对岩石薄片鉴定及XRD矿物半定量检测结果加以验证。本文利用X射线荧光光谱仪(XRF)对野外采集的32件大理岩样品进行全岩化学成分分析,以岩石化学成分为基础,分析岩石杂质系数、镁质系数和钙质系数特征,对大理岩进行分类。结果表明:方解石大理岩、白云石大理岩、菱镁矿大理岩的镁质系数值分别为0.01~0.13、0.40~0.46、0.97~0.98,钙质系数值分别为0.78~0.84、0.30~0.49和0.01~0.02,不同类型大理岩的钙质系数和镁质系数明显不同,可以作为划分大理岩类型的主要依据。当岩石中SiO_2+Al_2O_3含量大于35%(杂质系数大于为1.20),不能定为大理岩,只有岩石中SiO_2+Al_2O_3含量小于30%(杂质系数小于1.00)时,可定为大理岩。杂质系数、镁质系数和钙质系数的应用,能够校正岩石薄片鉴定法及XRD矿物半定量法矿物含量检测不一致的问题,使大理岩分类定名更加准确。     

Petrographical and geochemical investigation of the Triassic marbles associated with Menderes massif metamorphics,Kavaklıdere,Muğla,SW Turkey

Vast marble deposits occur in a cover sequence of the Menderes Massif, SW Turkey. Four major marble deposits are recognized in Mu?la province based on the stratigraphic levels. These are Permo-Carboniferous aged black marbles (1), Triassic aged marbles (2), Upper Cretaceous aged marbles (3), and Paleocene aged pelagic marbles (4). This study deals with Triassic aged marbles of the southern part of the Menderes Massif. The Triassic marbles from SW Turkey consist of two big marble horizons in the Çayboyu (ÇM) and Kestanecik (KM) regions. The characteristic samples are collected from different stratigraphic levels in marble deposits in the ÇM and KM horizons. Mineralogical and major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) analyses of marble, limestone, and schist were conducted on these samples to reveal their petrographical and geochemical characteristics. The ÇM horizon is represented by calcitic marble layers. Nickel, cobalt, manganese, and iron elements filled in fractures, fissures, and intergranular spaces of calcite crystals and these elements give the pinky colour to the marble from the ÇM horizon. KM marbles were deformed, metamorphosed, and recrystallized under greenschist facies P–T conditions. As a result of the metasomatic reaction of magnesium and manganese rich fluids with marbles, dolomite, and manganese, minerals such as rhodochrosite and pyrolusite have crystallized along vein walls and layers in the KM horizon. Dolomitization was determined in KM marbles, whereas ÇM marbles show the character of limestone. MgO, MnO, Fe₂O₃, Ni, and Zn contents of marbles from the KM horizon are higher than those of ÇM marbles due to metasomatic reactions. The Sr content in white coloured marbles ranges between 11.20 ppm and 112.20 ppm and this concentration reaches up to 272.70 ppm due to metasomatic reactions and fluid intake. The REE content of Triassic marbles is independent of the abundance of carbonate and the REE enrichment observed due to syn-metamorphic fluid flow. The significant negative Eu anomaly in REE patterns indicates that the protoliths of Triassic marbles are carbonate rocks of sedimentary origin.     

北京大理岩物理力学参数的相关性研究

北京有大量采用房山大理岩制造的石质文物,这使得北京大理岩力学性质的研究对于科学指导文物保护和修复具有重要意义。但由于文物本体取样困难,难以获得其力学参数。因此本文对北京大理岩的物理、力学参数进行测试,通过建立物理参数和力学参数的回归方程,实现利用物理参数评价力学参数的目的。以北京大理岩中的青白石和汉白玉为研究对象,对8个边长为150 mm立方体试样进行施密特回弹测试,对40个Ф50 mm×100 mm的圆柱体试样进行里氏硬度、纵波波速测试和单轴压缩试验,得到了大理岩的回弹值、里氏硬度值、纵波波速与单轴抗压强度、弹性模量。分别以单轴抗压强度和弹性模量为因变量,选择单个或两个物理参数作为自变量建立回归方程。通过对比相关系数发现:（1）对于单个物理参数,单轴抗压强度与D探头里氏硬度值的相关性最好,而弹性模量与回弹值的相关性最好;（2）对于两个物理参数,单轴抗压强度（或弹性模量）都与回弹值和D探头里氏硬度值的组合相关性最好。     

两种晶粒大理岩的力学性质研究

矿物结构是影响岩石力学特性的根本因素。对晶粒0.5～1 mm细晶微风化大理岩和晶粒0.2～0.5 mm粉晶风化大理岩,进行了超声波测试和单轴、常规三轴压缩试验。粉晶大理岩晶粒尺度较小,滑移界面较多,粘接强度稍有变化就显著影响变形,即单轴压缩强度离散性较小而杨氏模量离散性较大,杨氏模量是细晶大理岩的1/3 左右,而单轴压缩强度仅低20 %。细晶大理岩的杨氏模量与围压无关,粉晶大理岩的杨氏模量随围压而增大,但进入延性变形阶段后两种大理岩的三轴强度完全相同。岩样的剪切破坏角都是随围压增大而减小,最后达到Coulomb准则确定的数值。在较高围压下,试样的承载极限与应力路径、材料强度以及内部的缺陷关系不大。晶粒的摩擦决定了大理岩的强度、变形特性。     

大理岩型红宝石矿床的若干问题

大理岩型红宝石矿床是红蓝宝石矿床的最重要类型之一。对此类型矿床与找矿相关的若干问题,长期存在模糊认识。本文经过实际研究和相关文献资料的搜集整理,得出了以下重要结论：大理岩型红宝石矿床产于有深大断裂构造活动的深成造山变质带;矿床成因类型属区域热动力变质型;含矿岩石是钙质结晶大理岩,而非镁质大理岩或镁质矽卡岩;含矿岩石中的角门石为富铝贫硅含铬的钙质问石,而非绿色透闪石。     

ROLE OF METASOMATIC PROCESSES IN RUBY-BEARING MARBLES FORMATION OF THE SOUTHERN URAL MOUNTAINS

Ruby-bearing marbles of the Southern Ural Mountains are developed in the metamorphic perimeter of granites-gneisses domes where high grade metamorphic granitization and diaphthoresis have occurred.Geological research into the development and occurrence of ruby-bearing marbles indicate that they formed as a result of repeated transformation.Their substrate consisted of an organogenous marine limestone containing Visean faunal remains.Intensive Mg metasomatism of limestone during early progressive stages of metamorphism resulted in a substrate of dolomite composition containing faunal remains with a calcite composition.Increased temperature and pressure resulted in metamorphism of early Mg metasomatites,turning them into fine-grained marble containing Visean faunal remains.Tensional stresses near the intrusive domes resulted in dedolomitization of early Mg metasomatites,giving rise to light,coarse-grained calcite marbles having polygonal-grained structure.Such carbonaceous marbles became metamorphosed around the perimeter of granite-gneiss massifs.Their rheological properties allowed for plastic flow in these marbles into areas of tectonic neutrality,forming bodies of rheomorphic marbles,sometimes even among marbled limestone.Relict bodies of Mg metasomatites underwent boudinage and rotation.Flow cleavage occurred in axial blocks of inter-dome structures and in their steep walls.Therefore platy jointing(banding,pseudo-lamination)formed in the marbles.Thickness of the plates is from several millimeters to 2-3m.Calcite underwent recrystallization with extension of grain size in the central parts of plates,sometimes amounting to 15-25cm in cross-section.Ruby-bearing marbles consist of Mg-calcite.The rock is coarse-grained,with a panidiomorphic texture.Schistosity is often observed in the plane of cleavage.Mg-calcite marble occurs among and grades into background calcite marbles,which are controlled by cleavage of flowing.It is supposed that the ruby-bearing Mg-calcite marbles bodies are elongated in the direction of dip.Their formation is caused by recrystallization under the action of rising metamorphogenic fluids at high temperatures and higher pressures(amphibolitic and epidote-amphibolitic facies).Ruby-bearing marbles formed at the end of the prograde stage of metamorphism.The early retrograde stage of metamorphism is defined by a new wave of Mg metasomatism and formation of calcite-dolomitic marbles with a poikiloblastic texture from calcite or Mg-calcite marbles.Usually the boundaries of the bodies are clear,planar,and controlled by cleavage.Studies of small bodies have shown that they are elongated in the direction of dip.Usually they contain pink corundum and/or pink spinel;red corundum is replaced by red spinel.Thus the initial marine limestones were transformed into various marbles and completely lost their primary composition and bedding as a result of metamorphism,deformation,and metasomatic transformation.Ruby-spinel mineralization in marbles is controlled by cleavage.     

Material properties of the Menderes Massif Marbles from SW Turkey

Marbles are extensively quarried at four different stratigraphical levels from Permo-Carbonifereous to Paleogene in the southern flank of the Menderes Massif in SW Turkey. These marbles differ in color, texture and pattern depending on their stratigraphical levels and are well known in the international trade as the Mugla Black (Permo-Carbonifereous), Mugla White (Cretaceous), Milas Lemon, Lilac, Aubergine, Pearl, Veined and White (Triassic) and Aegean Bordeaux (Paleogene) marbles. The mineralogical, chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the representative marbles samples obtained from the quarries working in four major metamorphic carbonate horizons in the cover successions of the Menderes Massif's southern flank in SW Turkey are determined and the results of over 1700 tests carried out on the selected marble samples are presented. The mean test values of the physical and mechanical tests are in general, found to be above the threshold acceptance values suggested by the American and Turkish Standards for the use of marbles as a building stone and in the same order as the properties of Italian (Carrara) and Greek marbles reported in the literature. Additionally, the mean test values of the marbles have given high correlations with one another and the relations obtained between the index test results determined by simple techniques requiring minimal sample preparation effort and the mean values of the more elaborate engineering tests results are presented as tables and graphs for wider use.     

Fluid flow and mass transport at the Valentine wollastonite deposit, Adirondack Mountains, New York State

The Valentine wollastonite skarn in the north-west Adirondack Mountains, New York, is a seven million ton deposit which resulted from channellized infiltration of H₂O-rich, silica-bearing fluids. The wollastonite formed by reaction of these fluids with non-siliceous calcite marble. The skarn formed at the contact of the syenitic Diana Complex and was subsequently overprinted by Grenville-age granulite facies metamorphism and retrograde hydrothermal alteration during uplift. Calcite marbles adjacent to the deposit have generally high δ¹⁸O values (c. 21‰), typical of Grenville marbles which have not exchanged extensively with externally derived fluids. Carbon isotopic fractiona-tions between coexisting calcite and graphite in the marbles indicate equilibration at 675d? C, consistent with the conditions of regional metamorphism. Oxygen isotopic ratios from wollastonite skarn are lower than in the marbles and show a 14‰ variation (-1‰ to 13‰). Some isotopic heterogeneity is preserved from skarn formation, and some represents localized exchange with low-δ¹⁸O retrograde fluids. Detailed millimetre- to centimetre-scale isotopic profiles taken across skarn/marble contacts reveal steep δ¹⁸O gradients in the skarn, with values increasing towards the marble. The gradients reflect isotopic evolution of the fluid as it reacted with high δ¹⁸O calcite to form wollastonite. Calcite in the marble preserves high δ¹⁸O values to within <5 mm of the skarn contact. The preservation of high δ¹⁸O values in marbles at skarn contacts and the disequilibrium fractionation between wollastonite skarn and calcite marble across these contacts indicate that the marbles were not infiltrated with significant quantities of the fluid. Thus, the marbles were relatively impermeable during both the skarn formation and retrograde alteration. Skarn formation may have been episodic and fluid flow was either chaotic or dominantly parallel to lithological contacts. Although these steep isotope gradients resemble fluid infiltration fronts, they actually represent the sides of the major flow system. Because chromatographic infiltration models of mass transport require the assumption of pervasive fluid flow through a permeable rock, such models are not applicable to this hydrothermal system and, by extension, to many other metamorphic systems where low-permeability rocks restrict fluid migration pathways. Minimum time-integrated fluid fluxes have been calculated at the Valentine deposit using oxygen isotopic mass balance, reaction progress of fluid buffering reactions, and silica mass balance. All three approaches show that large volumes of fluid were necessary to produce the skarn, but silica mass balance calculations yield the largest minimum flux and are hence the most realistic.     

Discovering the stone heritage of southern Italy: technical properties of the Mondragone marble from Campania region

The results of the geological characterization of an old stone building in southern Italy, are presented here. The Mondragone marble is a slightly metamorphosed carbonate rock, which was widely employed as monumental stone in the 18th century Royal Palaces of Naples and Caserta. In this paper, for the first time, this rock has been investigated with a thorough laboratory testing program, aimed at defining its mineralogical, physical and mechanical parameters. The two most important varieties of Mondragone marble were separately tested: the yellow and grey marbles (hereafter, YM and GM, respectively). The results obtained from physical tests (open porosity, dry density, specific gravity, water absorption coefficients, ultrasonic velocity) did not show marked differences between the two materials; in contrast, the mechanical strength tests (uniaxial compressive strength, point load strength, flexural strength) showed better behaviour of YM than for GM. After a tentative comparison with other well known carbonate rocks from Italy, some considerations on the response of Mondragone marble to local weathering were conducted. In particular, the weathering typologies were related to the particular texture of the brecciated marble and the different strength resistances displayed by the various constituents of the rock.     

Direct observation of microcrack development in marble caused by thermal weathering

One of the properties that makes marble such an excellent construction and ornamental material is its low porosity. It is very difficult for water or decay agents to penetrate the internal structure of materials with no or few pores, so enhancing the durability of these materials. However, environmental temperature fluctuations bring about significant physical changes in marbles that result in an increase in porosity, due to the appearance of new microcracks and the expansion of existing ones. These cracks offer new paths into the marble which make it easier for solutions containing pollutants to penetrate the material. Thermal expansion tests were performed on three different types of marble known as White, Tranco, and Yellow Macael (Almeria, Spain), after which an increase in porosity (from 17 to 73% depending on marble type) was observed, mainly due to crack formation. The structural changes occurring during thermal expansion tests were more significant in the case of White Macael samples, a fact that is not only related to its mineralogical composition but also to the morphology of the grains, grain boundaries and crystal size. Our research suggests that thermally weathered White Macael marble could be more susceptible to decay by other contaminant agents than Tranco or Yellow Macael. The use of hot-stage environmental scanning electron microscopy is proposed as a valid tool for observing, both in situ and at high magnification, changes in the fracture system of building stones induced by thermal stress.     

The combined effect of moisture and temperature on the anomalous expansion behaviour of marble

Three calcitic marble types often used as cladding material and different in lattice preferred orientation (texture), grain shape preferred orientation, grain size distribution and grain interlocking are investigated to study the combined effect of thermal cycles (day-night) and moisture on the decay of marble, particularly on the bowing phenomenon. Repetitive heating-cooling under dry conditions leads to considerable inelastic residual strain only in the first thermal cycle. The residual strain continuously increases again if water is present, whereby the moisture content after a thermal cycle has a certain impact on the decay rate. The water-enhanced thermal dilatation strongly correlates with the deterioration rate obtained from the laboratory bow test. All applied approaches reveal that the texture in combination with the grain shape preferred orientation control the intensity and anisotropy of marble deterioration, thus, the cutting direction of facade panels has to be considered in terms of durability. On-site analysis from building facades confirm the laboratory results such as the bowing tendency of different marbles, directional dependence, relevance of moisture content during cyclical heating and the loss of strength due to environmental impact.Special Issue: Stone decay hazards     

Bowing of dimensional granitic stones

Bowing is a well-known phenomenon seen in marbles used as building veneers. This form of rock weathering occurs as a result of external factors such as temperature, humidity, the system for anchoring the marble slabs or the panel dimensions. Under the same external conditions, many factors will determine the degree of deformation including petrography, thermal properties and residual locked stresses. The usual way to solve the problem of bowed marble slabs is to replace them with other materials, such as granites, in which the deformation still exists but is less common. In this study, eight ornamental granites with different mineralogy, grain size, grain shape, porosity and fabric were tested in a laboratory to assess their susceptibility to bowing. Three slabs of granite, each cut with a different orientation, were studied under different conditions of temperature (90 and 120°C) and water saturation (dry and wet) to investigate the influence of these factors together with that of anisotropy. At 90°C, only the granite with the coarsest grain size and low porosity exhibited deformation under wet conditions. At 120°C and wet conditions, three of the granites showed evident signs of bowing. Again, the granite with the coarsest grain size was the most deformed. It was concluded that the wide grain size distribution influences microcracking more than other expected factors, such as the quartz content of the rock. Also, mineral shape-preferred orientation and porosity play an important role in the bowing of the studied granites.     

Devonshire marbles: history of the industry and the geology of these classic British ornamental stones

Devonshire ‘marbles’ come from Mid– to Late Devonian limestones of south Devon, UK. They are not true marbles in the geological sense but were nonetheless tectonically buried during the Variscan orogenesis. They retain abundant palaeontological and sedimentological characters, overstamped by limited to extensive veining, deformation and brecciation. Recent work has revealed how these marbles have been used to decorate a wealth of buildings in Britain and overseas. There were two distinct industries, one that produced decorative marble for architectural use, and one that produced portable artefacts such as specimen marble tables and ornaments. The stones used in these two sister industries can be very different, a result of different sourcing of the same Devonshire limestones. A third industry sought to slice and polish local limestone pebbles to reveal their diverse coral, stromatoporoid and other fossil contents, and was aimed at tourists, collectors and museums. The history and early development of the marble industry are explored and the distinct characteristics of the stones used in Devonshire marble inlay are explained. The stones used in the parallel architectural trade are analysed elsewhere.     

粤西龙修地区大理岩的 Pb-Pb 年龄及其地质意义

摘要　粤西龙修地区大理岩的 Pb 同位素分析结果给出了一个新元古代末期的等时线年龄 555±68） Ma。结合野外和岩相学研究结果‚大理岩的 Pb 同位素记录了大理岩碳酸盐矿物 粤西龙修地区大理岩的 Pb 同位素分析结果给出了一个新元古代末期的等时线年龄 （555±68） Ma。结合野外和岩相学研究结果‚大理岩的 Pb 同位素记录了大理岩碳酸盐矿物 后变形静态重结晶之后等压冷却事件‚（555±68） Ma 大致反映了云开地区新元古代末期热水 555±68） Ma。结合野外和岩相学研究结果‚大理岩的 Pb 同位素记录了大理岩碳酸盐矿物 后变形静态重结晶之后等压冷却事件‚（555±68） Ma 大致反映了云开地区新元古代末期热水 沉积事件之后的一次变质变形事件的年龄‚从而确立了新元古代末期热构造事件的存在‚这 后变形静态重结晶之后等压冷却事件‚（555±68） Ma 大致反映了云开地区新元古代末期热水 沉积事件之后的一次变质变形事件的年龄‚从而确立了新元古代末期热构造事件的存在‚这 对揭示云开地区前寒武纪地质演化历史具有十分重要的意义。 沉积事件之后的一次变质变形事件的年龄‚从而确立了新元 对揭示云开地区前寒武纪地质演化历史具有十分重要的意义。     

Hydrogeochemical study of the thermal and mineralized waters of the Banaz (Hamamboğazi) area,western Anatolia,Turkey

The Hamamboğazi spa in western Turkey was built around natural hot springs with discharge temperatures in the range of 30–54°C; the waters have near neutral pH values of 6.50–7.10 and a TDS content between 2,694 and 2,982 mg/l. Thermal water with a temperature of 47.5–73°C has been produced at 325 l/s from five wells since 1994, causing some springs to go dry. A management plan is required in the study area to maximize the benefits of this resource, for which currently proposed direct uses include heating in the district and greenhouses, as well as balneology in new spas in the area. The best use for the water from each spring or well will depend on its temperature, chemistry and location. The thermal waters are mixed Na–Mg–HCO₃–SO₄ fluids that contain a significant amount of CO₂ gas. The chemical geothermometers applied to the Hamamboğazi thermal waters yield a maximum reservoir temperature of 130°C. Isotope results (¹⁸O, ²H, ³H) indicate that the thermal waters have a meteoric origin: rainwater percolates downward along fractures and faults, is heated at depth, and then rises to the surface along fractures and faults that act as a hydrothermal conduit. The basement around the Banaz Hamamboğazi resort is comprised of Paleozoic metamorphic schist and marbles exposed 8 km south and 15 km north of Banaz. Mesozoic marble, limestone and ophiolitic complex are observed a few km west and in the northern part of Banaz. These units were cut at a depth of 350–480 m in boreholes drilled in the area. Overlying lacustrine deposits are composed of fine clastic units that alternate with gypsum, tuff and tuffites of 200–350 m thickness. The marble and limestones form the thermal water aquifer, while lacustrine deposits form the impermeable cap.     

Performance Prediction of Large-Diameter Circular Saws Based on Surface Hardness Tests for Mugla (Turkey) Marbles

Surface hardness tests such as Shore hardness (SH) and Schmidt hammer rebound hardness (SR) may provide a quick and inexpensive measure of rock hardness, which may be widely used for estimating the mechanical properties of rock material such as strength, sawability, drillability and cuttability. In the marble industry, circular sawing with diamond sawblades constitutes a major cost in the processing. Therefore, several models based on the relations between hourly slab production (P _hs), rock surface hardness (SH and SR) and mineral grain size (S _cr) were developed using the data obtained from field and laboratory measurements on five different marbles quarried in the Mugla Province of Turkey. The models which include surface hardness and crystal size may as well be used for the prediction of sawability (hourly slab production) of carbonate rocks using large-diameter circular saws.