Comparative mineralogical- geochemical and technical study of the main Middle Eocene clay bed at Wadi El Mehasham, East Beni Mazar and the East Maghagha clays, Egypt

摘要

Wadi El Mehasham is covered mainly with a multi-coloured claystone bed belonging to the Midawara Formation. The clay sediments of East Maghagha to the north represent the basal part of the Mi-dawara Formation. Mineralogically, the claystones of Wadi El Mehasham consist of montmorillonite, kao-linite quartz, calcite and gypsum. Also the East Maghagha clay contain montmorillonite, kaolinite and illite associated with quartz, calcite, dolomite and halite. The results of studied samples of Wadi El Mehasham indicate that the main claystone bed can be recommended for the manufacture of building bricks, and provides the essential chemical components necessary for normal Portland cement. Also, the clays of East Maghagha most probably represent a suitable site for the Portland cement industry.