Usability of calcite mineral, which develops in the crack fillings of carbonate rocks, as ornamental stone

Abstract

Turkey has a significant amount of mineral content from a geological perspective, offering essential resources, especially in mining (ornamental stone production). In this study, methods are being developed for the extraction, processing, and usability of calcite minerals, which develop as vein fillings (secondary formations) among fragmented limestone along the Bayburt-Erzurum highway for ornamental stone use. The chemical and crystallographic properties of the mineral were determined through XRD and FTIR analyses, and its suitability for ornamental stone use was evaluated. (durable, clean, and transparent) epoxy was used as a binding material for ornamental stone production, and the use of calcite minerals in jewelry production was examined, revealing its potential economic value in terms of durability, aesthetics, and rarity. Generally, while calcite minerals are widely used in various industrial fields, their use as ornamental stones remains limited. This study presents a new perspective on evaluating calcite minerals as ornamental stones, demonstrating the possibility of processing a low-hardness mineral as an ornamental stone using binding materials and its potential economic value. These findings significantly evaluate natural minerals in different applications and enhance their financial potential.