High Quartz Research Articles

Depositional Heterogeneities and Brittleness of Mudstone Lithofacies in the Marcellus Subgroup, Appalachian Basin, New York, U.S.A.

Organic-rich rocks of the Marcellus subgroup in the study area consist of a diverse suite of mudstone lithofacies that were deposited in distinct facies belts. Lithofacies in the succession range in composition from argillaceous to siliceous, calcareous, and carbonaceous mudstone. Heterogeneities in the succession occurs in the form of varying mineralogical composition, slightly bioturbated to highly bioturbated chaotic matrix, organic-rich and organic-lean laminae, scattered fossil shells in the matrix, and fossils acting as lamination planes. Lithofacies were deposited in three facies belts from the proximal to the distal zone of the depositional system. Bedded siliceous mudstone (BSM) facies occur in the proximal facies belt and consists of a high quartz content in addition to clay minerals and pyrite. In the medial part of the facies belt lies the laminated argillaceous mudstone (LAM), bedded calcareous mudstone (BCaM), and bedded carbonaceous mudstone (BCM). The size of detrital mineral grains in the lithofacies of the medial facies belt is larger than bedded argillaceous mudstone (BAM) of the distal facies belt, characterized by clay-rich matrix with occasional fossil shells and horizontally aligned fossils. Two types of horizontal traces and one type of fecal string characterize the proximal mud-stone facies, whereas only single horizontal trace fossil is found in the mudstones of the medial and distal facies belt. Parallel alignment of fossil shells and fossil lags in lithofacies indicate that bed-load transport was active periodically from the proximal source of the depositional system. Bioturbation has heavily affected all of the lithofacies and presence of mottled burrows as well as Devonian fauna indicate that oxic to dysoxic conditions prevailed during deposition. The deposition of this organic-rich mudstone succession through dynamic processes in an overall oxic to dysoxic environment is different from conventional anoxic depositional models interpreted for most of the organic rich black shales worldwide. Total organic content (TOC) varies from top to bottom in the succession and is highest in BCM facies. The brittleness index, calculated on the basis of mineralogy, allowed classification of the lithofacies into three distinct zones, i.e., a brittle zone, a less brittle zone, and a ductile zone with a general proximal to distal decrease in the brittle behavior due to a decrease in the size of the sediments.

In situ high temperature spectroscopic study of liquid inclusions and hydroxyl groups in high purity natural quartz

High purity natural based quartz is used as raw material for production of crucibles for solar-grade silicon production. The crucible properties are strongly related to presence of water and hydroxyl groups in the raw material. In this work, in situ temperature-dependent diffuse reflectance infrared (DRIFT) and Raman spectroscopy in the spectral range of the OH stretching modes, 3000–4000 cm−1, were used to investigate water inclusions and hydroxyl groups at temperatures up to 800 °C. DRIFT shows that a substantial amount of liquid water was removed at 700 °C whereas new silanol groups characterised by stretching modes at about 3650 cm−1 were formed above 200 °C. A surface OH mode was also identified by multivariante curve resolution (MCR) of Raman maps. These surface OH groups were interpreted as the sign of formation of a hydrated layer at the surface of inclusions. It was not possible to detect water signals in other types of structural defect like cracks. Images were acquired in an in situ cell showing different stages of the rupture of an inclusion with a diameter of ≈8 μm between 400 and 500 °C. The in situ Raman spectrum of the inclusion water showed the typical liquid water bands at room temperature with a maximum moving to higher wavenumbers with increasing temperature. At 400 °C, the single peak at 3645 cm−1 indicated a situation close to the critical point, triggering rupture. The rupture of such large inclusions was thus identified as the dominating channel for the removal of liquid water inclusions. A small inclusion with a diameter ≈4 μm, however, was stable even at 800 °C. These small inclusions contain supercritical water, as evidenced by the sharp Raman peak at 3600 cm−1. Via the peak position, the internal pressure in this stable inclusion was estimated to be 90 MPa. Stability may be facilitated by the formation of a hydrated interfacial layer; the different reactivities of the inclusion fluid at different temperatures leads to different interfacial structures at different temperatures. The presented evidence suggests that inclusions with diameter in the range of few μm are the main source of remaining water and hydroxyl groups in thermally treated high purity quartz sand.

Preparation of NaA Zeolite from High Iron and Quartz Contents Coal Gangue by Acid Leaching—Alkali Melting Activation and Hydrothermal Synthesis

In this study, NaA zeolite was successfully synthesized from coal gangue with high contents of iron and quartz as the main raw material. The results show that most iron ions can be removed from coal gangue after calcination at 700 °C for 2 h, leaching in hydrochloric acid with a mass fraction of 20% for 7 h and a liquid-solid ratio of 3.5:1. When m (acid leached residue of calcined gangue):m (Na2CO3) = 1.1 and melting at 750 °C for 2 h, the quartz and other aluminosilicates turn into nepheline, which dissolve in water. Finally, the optimum conditions of synthesis NaA zeolite are as follows: n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) = 2.0, n(Na2O)/n(SiO2) = 2.1, n(H2O)/n(Na2O) = 55, aging at 60 °C for 2 h, and crystallization at 94 °C for 4 h. This shows that the high iron and quartz contents coal gangue can be used for the synthesis of NaA zeolite.

Enhanced process route to produce magnetite pellet feed from copper tailing

The majority of copper mines generate a large quantity of tailings after their concentration processing. The flotation tailings are, in general, either piled up or stored in dams, although most copper tailings have a huge potential for by-products production leading to improve sustainability and profitability of operations. This paper describes a study aiming at producing a by-product magnetite pellet feed from IOCG (Iron oxide copper–gold) industrial copper processing tailings, located in northern Brazil. The mineralogy of copper tailings indicates around 14% of magnetite in its head composition, making its concentration of economic interest also allowing a considerable reduction in the amount of tailing disposal. The proposed route of this study is composed of hydrocyclones, low and high fields magnetic separation followed by silicates reverse cationic flotation. The complex mineralogy of IOCG deposits leads to the need for regrinding the rougher magnetite pellet feed to a P80 of 20 µm to achieve the desirable magnetite liberation. A saleable magnetite pellet feed within a high chemical quality (Fe > 64.1 wt%, SiO2 < 2.5 wt%, and Al2O3 < 2.0 wt%) and specific surface area of 2600 cm2/g was obtained. The results have shown a total mass recovery of 9.5% and 63% of magnetite recovery. Moreover, it was generated a non-magnetic rougher tailing with low magnetite and high quartz contents that might be used as a by-product as aggregated material in the construction industry and as soil remineralizer. An investigative flotation optimization is being undertaken and will be further published as a continuation of the present work.

Short-Term Study on Mechanical and Fresh properties of Micro-silica based Self Consolidating Concrete in Nigeria

The ever increasing environmental challenge arising from improper waste management has been a great concern to researchers and the society. One of such industrial waste is micro silica; a bye-product of the Carbothermic reduction of high purity quartz at temperature of about 2000oC in the presence of coke. The finess of this material and its pozollanic nature makes it suitable for use in the production of self-compacting concrete. In this research micro silica was introduced in percentages of, 5, 10 and 15% as partial replacement of cement in the production of self-compacting concrete. The fresh properties were examined using slump flow, T50cm, slump flow, V-funnel and blockage ratio using L-Box. As the Micro silica were introduced, T50cm time increased, Slump flow reduced, V-funnel flow time increased and L-Box value reduced, due to increase in viscosity. Comparing the experimental results with European Federation of National Associations of Representing for Concrete EFNARC 2002, blockage ratio for 15% was below 0.8. The compressive stresses at 28days were higher than the control at 28days compressive stress with 8.6%, 19.04% and 11.9% for 5%, 10% and 15% respectively. Thus, cement can be partially substituted with micro silica up to 15% with improvement in compressive strength in self-compacting concrete.

Mineralogical, geochemical, and textural characteristics of soil and airborne samples during dust storms in Khuzestan, southwest Iran

Dust storms are frequent phenomena in Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran, leading to environmental hazards and deleterious impacts on human health. This work analyzes mineralogic and geochemical characteristics of dust sediments at the source regions and in deposition areas in southwest Iran during three dust-storm events in winter and spring 2018. Twenty soil and airborne dust samples were collected and analyzed for compositions of dust at different distances from the source regions in Iraq and southwest Iran, aiming to assess the source characterization and possible mixing processes in the atmosphere. The grain size distributions were also analyzed at specific sites. The results show that about 50 % of the volume size distribution corresponds to particle sizes of above 20 μm, indicating local/regional dust storms of coarse to giant particles. XRD analysis indicates that calcite is the dominant mineral in all the samples, with a high quartz and dolomite fraction. The most abundant major compounds are SiO2 and CaO, while Cl, Ba, Sr, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr, V are the main trace elements. The enrichment factor (EF) analysis showed that apart from Th, Nb, Ce, and V, all the other elements (Pb, Zn, Cr, etc.) have an anthropogenic origin or represent high amounts of pollutant contamination. High levels of elemental enrichment are attributable to intensive pollution in Khuzestan Province and at sampling sites due to fossil-fuel combustion, gas and petroleum drilling activities. Moreover, based on the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), all samples are found to be contaminated by heavy metals due to prior war-related materiel, oil and gas extraction, and emissions from polluting industries.

Surface wettability alteration of shales exposed to CO2: Implication for long-term integrity of geological storage sites

Surface wettability is a key factor controlling the CO2 seal capacity and defines the CO2 storage potential. Limited studies have addressed the shale/water wettability behavior during CO2 injection, thus considerable attention is needed to understand this concept. In this paper, an ample number of supercritical CO2 exposure experiments were conducted to evaluate the alteration of shale/water contact angles. Different types of shales with various mineralogy from Eagle Ford, Wolfcamp, and Mancos fields, were exposed to SCCO2 at different durations, pressures, and temperatures. Shale mineralogy and surface were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The results indicated a strong relationship between mineral composition and the alteration in shale/water wettability. Clay-rich shales displayed a possible turn in wetting behavior to CO2-wet with extending the SCCO2 treatment time and increasing the treatment pressure, caused by SCCO2 dissolution of clay and carbonate minerals. While the wettability of high-quartz contents shales remained strongly hydrophilic after various SCCO2 treatment conditions. Increasing the temperature accelerated the CO2/shale interactions, and a minor effect was observed on the shale hydrophilicity. Increasing the cohesive energy density of CO2 promotes a favorable CO2 wetting environment, which reduced the hydrophilicity of the surface and reduces the surface energy. In conclusion, shales with high quartz contents exhibit strong water wetting behavior after SCCO2 treatment, which leads to better sealing capacity, more efficient integrity of geological storage sites, and higher potential for CO2 containment.

High Sensitive Quartz Temperature Sensors

High Sensitive Quartz Temperature Sensors

In Situ X-ray Diffraction at High Temperatures: Formation of Ca2SiO4 and Ternesite in Recycled Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

This study provides an insight into possible recycling processes for autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) at low temperatures (&lt;1000 °C). Belite binders were synthesized from wastes of AAC by the addition of CaCO3 and adaption of the molar CaO/SiO2 (C/S ratio) in the range of 2 to 2.5. An in situ XRD study performed during heating up to 1000 °C and subsequent quenching to room temperature evidenced the formation of ternesite besides C2S in sulfate-containing systems. Several factors influencing the reaction kinetics and the evolution of the phase composition were investigated thoroughly. Increased sulfate content and dwelling time during heating increase the ternesite content and promote the formation of highly crystalline α’H-C2S. The C/S-ratio of the starting materials has to be adjusted to the sulfate content in order to prevent the formation of ternesite at the expense of C2S. Ternesite remains stable during quenching to room temperature or even increases in amount, except in cases of very low cooling rates or high residual quartz contents (C/S-ratio ≤ 2). Temperature and range of α’H-C2S to β-C2S phase transition on quenching strongly depend on the cooling rate. The onset temperature for β-C2S formation varies between 540 °C (slow quench) and 450 °C (fast quench). Thermal expansion coefficients of ternesite are calculated showing similarity with C2S. The incorporation of CaSO4 modules in the structure switches the direction of maximum compression.

Optical, electronic, and microstructural properties of mixed phase RF magnetron sputtered vanadium oxide thin films on quartz and aluminized quartz

Amorphous vanadium pentoxide (major phase) thin films of various thicknesses were grown on the substrates that possessed low (aluminized quartz) and high (quartz) infrared (IR) emittance property utilizing radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. Microstructural characterizations are carried out by several techniques such as noncontact optical profilometry, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The as‐grown amorphous films show stoichiometric vanadium oxide, where vanadium is in V5+ as a major proportion compared with V4+ states. Thermo‐optical properties, namely, solar transmittance (τs), reflectance (ρs), absorptance (αs) and IR emittance (εir) along with optical constant, for example, optical band gap, are evaluated. A modified Urbach equation was used to simulate the optical absorption data to understand the presence optical absorption below the band edge.

Light-induced off-axis cavity-enhanced thermoelastic spectroscopy in the near-infrared for trace gas sensing.

A trace gas sensing technique of light-induced off-axis cavity-enhanced thermoelastic spectroscopy (OA-CETES) in the near-infrared was demonstrated by combing a high-finesse off-axis integrated cavity and a high Q-factor resonant quartz tuning fork (QTF). Sensor parameters of the cavity and QTF were optimized numerically and experimentally. As a proof-of-principle, we employed the OA-CETES for water vapor (H2O) detection using a QTF (Q-factor ∼12000 in atmospheric pressure) and a 10cm-long Fabry-Perot cavity (finesse ∼ 482). By probing a H2O line at 7306.75 cm-1, the developed OA-CETES sensor achieved a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 8.7 parts per million (ppm) for a 300 ms integration time and a normalized noise equivalent absorption (NNEA) coefficient of 4.12 × 10-9cm-1 WHz-1/2. Continuous monitoring of indoor and outdoor atmospheric H2O concentration levels was performed for verifying the sensing applicability. The realization of the proposed OA-CETES technique with compact QTF and long effective path cavity allows a class of optical sensors with low cost, high sensitivity and potential for long-distance and multi-point sensing.

Meso-microporous activated carbon derived from Raffia palm shells: optimization of synthesis conditions using response surface methodology

This study investigated the optimal synthesis conditions for the production of Raffia Palm Shell Activated Carbon (RPSAC) using phosphoric acid as activation agent. The optimization of the synthesis conditions was achieved using the Central Composite Design (CDD) in Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The influences of impregnation ratio, temperature, time and concentration on the specific surface area and yield of RPSAC were evaluated. Based on the CDD, 2FI and quadratic models were developed for the two responses. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to determine the significant factors and factor interactions for each response. All process variables except impregnation ratio were observed to significantly influence the quality of RPSAC. The optimal synthesis conditions for RPSAC were; 523.68 °C, 76.91%, and 103.83 min for temperature, concentration, and time respectively which provided a specific surface area and yield of 1762.92 m2/g and 77.98 % respectively. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analyses proved that RPSAC had a meso-micro-porous morphology with high carbon and oxygen contents. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the abundance of hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxylic groups on RPSAC. X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that RPSAC composed mainly of amorphous and disordered microcrystalline phases ascribed to the high quartz content of the precursor. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, average pore diameter, total pore volume, and pHpzc of RPSAC were obtained as 456.10 m2/g, 0.25 cm3/g, 2.13 nm and 2.10 correspondingly. Thus, RSM was found to be an excellent and desirable tool for optimal synthesis of RPSAC that possess high surface area and porosity suitable for application in the adsorption of both large and small molecular sized pollutants such as dyes and fluoride in real and aqueous solution.

Variation of luminescence sensitivity, characteristic dose and trap parameters of quartz from rocks and sediments

We investigated the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of quartz from sediments and parent rocks across South America. OSL and TL sensitivities were compared with the characteristic dose of dose response curves. Additionally, we estimated electron trap parameters of quartz from sediments with contrasting OSL sensitivities. Our results show that the natural sensitivities of quartz OSL (initial 0.8 s) and TL (110 °C peak) are positively correlated and range over six and four orders of magnitude respectively. The corresponding characteristic doses range from around 30 Gy–3000 Gy for dose response curves described by a single exponential function. Quartz from igneous and metamorphic rocks and Andean short-transported sediments report low-sensitivity OSL and high characteristic dose. The studied initial OSL signal has significant contribution of medium and slow components in quartz from rocks and Andean short-transported sediments, while in quartz from Brazilian long-transported sediments, the initial OSL signal is dominated by the fast component. The trend of sensitivity increase and characteristic dose decrease is attributed to the relative contribution of medium and low components to the initial OSL emission. Regarding the electron trap parameters, high, medium and low sensitivity quartz has statistically similar values of the activation energy and the frequency factor, but both parameters have larger variations in medium and low sensitivity quartz.

Geochemistry and mineralogy of the Silurian Akkas Formation, Iraqi western desert: implications for palaeoweathering, provenance and tectonic setting

The mineralogical and geochemical composition of the Silurian Akkas Formation consisting of interbedded shales, sandstones, siltstones and rare marls from the western desert of Iraq was investigated based on geochemical and petrographic data to constrain their weathering condition, palaeoclimate, provenance and tectonic setting. Based on petrographic and SEM analysis, sandstones are dominated by quartz with rare rock fragments, mica and feldspar, whereas clay minerals assemblage is dominated by illite and kaolinite with a lesser amount of chlorite in shales and chlorite with a minor amount of illite, kaolinite and mixed layer illite/smectite in sandstones. The chemical index of alteration (high CIA), the index of compositional variability (ICV < 1), plagioclase index of alteration (high PIA) values and A–CN–K plot suggest mainly intensely chemically weathered source area. The elemental ratios critical for palaeoclimate (Sr/Cu and Ga/Rb) and Ga/Rb vs Sr/Cu plot in addition to clay mineral evidence indicate fluctuating climate between humid and arid conditions, which was affected by the extensive Late Ordovician–Early Silurian glaciation (Hirnantian glaciation event) during the deposition of the Akkas sediments. The geochemical data from major, trace and REE elements, as well as bivariate discrimination provenance diagrams, suggest mainly felsic–intermediate igneous source rocks. The mineralogical composition of sandstones (high quartz content, rare feldspar and rock fragments) and the high geochemical maturity of shales and sandstones indicate that they were derived from stable cratonic source and recycled orogeny with the possible contribution from quartz-rich crystalline provenance. These sources were likely the plutonic–metamorphic complexes of the Arabian Shield located to the southwest of the Akkas basin. The detrital mode tectonic provenance diagram, discriminant function-based major element diagrams and REE concentrations suggest continental margin/intracratonic depositional setting mixed with an older collisional source, which is consistent with the general geology of the study area.

Compositional, geochemical and petrophysical shale play characterization of the Upper Cretaceous in southern Middle Magdalena Valley (MMV) basin, Colombia

The compositional, geochemical and petrophysical characterization of a stratigraphic section from the Coniacian-Campanian in the South of the Middle Magdalena Valley basin allowed identifying the potential of this area for unconventional shale reservoirs.Siltstone facies composed of bio-mudstone with organic matter and micrite, and silty mudstone microfacies with foraminifera, showed the best conditions. Rock-Eval results showed a Type II Kerogen with TOC values that range between 2% and 4% and thermal maturity of 0.8% Ro, which demonstrates an optimal maturity level for liquid hydrocarbon generation of this section. Compositionally, the upper part is characterized by high quartz content, whereas the middle section has high calcite content enhancing the mechanical properties of the rock in the event of hydraulic fracturing. The petrophysical analysis indicated optimal values for intergranular porosity favoring hydrocarbon storage. Data integration indicated at least two intervals with high potential for shale oil within the sequence studied.

Sintering behaviour of fluorapatite–silicate composites produced from natural fluorapatite and quartz

In this work, the sintering behaviour of fluorapatite (FAp)–silicate composites prepared by mixing variable amounts of natural quartz (2.5 wt% to 20 wt%) and FAp was studied. The composites were pressureless sintered in air at temperatures from 1000 °C to 1350 °C. The effects of temperatures on the densification, phase formation, chemical bonding and Vickers hardness of the composites were evaluated. All the samples exhibited mixed phase, comprising FAp and francolite as the major constituents along with some minor phases of cristobalite, wollastonite, dicalcium silicate and/or whitlockite dependent on the quartz content and sintering temperature. The composite containing 2.5 wt% quartz exhibited the best sintering properties. The highest bulk density of 3 g/cm3 and a Vickers hardness of >4.2 GPa were obtained for the 2.5 wt% quartz–FAp composite when sintered at 1100 °C. The addition of quartz was found to alter the microstructure of the composites, where it exhibited a rod-like morphology when sintered at 1000 °C and a regular rounded grain structure when sintered at 1350 °C. A wetted grain surface was observed for composites containing high quartz content and was believed to be associated with a transient liquid phase sintering.

Simultaneous Measurement of Temperature and Refractive Index Using High Temperature Resistant Pure Quartz Grating Based on Femtosecond Laser and HF Etching.

The optical fiber temperature and refractive index sensor combined with the hollow needle structure for medical treatment can promote the standardization of traditional acupuncture techniques and improve the accuracy of body fluid analysis. A double-parameter sensor based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is developed in this paper. The sensor materials are selected through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the sensor sensing principle is theoretically analyzed and simulated. Through femtosecond laser writing pure silica fiber, a high temperature resistant wavelength type FBG temperature sensor is obtained, and the FBG is corroded by hydrofluoric acid (HF) to realize a high-sensitivity intensity-type refractive index sensor. Because the light has dual characteristics of energy and wavelength, the sensor can realize simultaneous dual-parameter sensing. The light from the lead-in optical fiber is transmitted to the sensor and affected by temperature and refractive-index; then, the reflection peak is reflected back to the lead-out fiber by the FBG. The high temperature response and the refractive index response of the sensor were measured in the laboratory, and the high temperature characteristics of the sensor were verified in the accredited institute. It is demonstrated that the proposed sensor can achieve temperature sensing up to 1150 °C with the sensitivity of 0.0134 nm/°C, and refractive sensing over a refractive range of 1.333 to 1.4027 with the sensitivity of −49.044 dBm/RIU. The sensor features the advantages of two-parameter measurement, compact structure, and wide temperature range, and it exhibits great potential in acupuncture treatment.

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis of high purity quartz: A bottom-up approach of uncertainty evaluation

High purity quartz was analyzed using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry, during our participation in proficiency testing programme. The sample was digested in HF-HNO3 medium and the silica matrix was removed as silicon tetra fluoride by evaporation and repeated treatments with HNO3. Trace metallic impurities viz. K, Ca, Ti and Fe were quantified via the internal standard (using Ga) method in TXRF spectrometry. The z-score, zeta score and quality control sample analysis revealed the accuracy of the present determinations for all the analytes. Combined uncertainty for the measurement was evaluated through the bottom-up approach. Relative sensitivity of the TXRF spectrometer for the analyte with respect to the internal standard was found to hold the highest share of uncertainty. Detection limits for both the process blank and sample solutions were compared. Detection limits in the sample solutions were 1.86, 0.95, 0.94 and 0.30 mg kg−1 for K, Ca, Ti and Fe respectively. These studies brought out the importance of appropriate concentration of standard solutions for calibration and sensitivity measurements of the spectrometer, in addition to the quality of reference standard solution, for ensuring accuracy of the results.

A REVIEW OF STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF CALCINED KAOLIN AND SILICA FUME WITH COMPOSITION

Cement is used in any construction and can be hydraulic or non-hydraulic, which directly depends on the cement's ability to use the presence of water. When high purity quartz is reduced to silicon at temperatures of up to 2000 ° C, SiO2 vapors are formed, which are oxidized and condensed in the low temperature zone into tiny particles made of non-crystalline silica.

Melting by numbers: Assessing the effective melt fertility of crustal rocks

Partial melting of rocks and the corresponding metamorphic reactions can be simulated through a Lagrangian description, which considers a discrete mineral distribution at sample scale and an infinite heat source. Our model aims to determine the effective melt productivity of crustal rocks linked to texture and composition of the source. In addition, it allows to assess the degree of melt fertility of greywackes and sandstones as a function of erosion and weathering of the source regions and of the tectonic environment in which the sediments were deposited. Our model is represented by a grid of cells, each containing a mineral phase or melt. The infinite heat source can be calibrated according to the melting equations. Melt extraction is ruled by the melt abundance in the source, and the melt sink is also an infinite reservoir. Our model presents three configurations each characterized by a specific melt fertility. Firstly, the spatial distribution of minerals can be random or anisotropic. Secondly, the relative abundance of each mineral phase mimics the initial composition. Finally, the conditions of melt extraction reflect the tectonic environment in place when melt is extracted. The chemical reactivity is simply modelled from the equations of melting, yielding the maximum melt productivity as a function of reactants. The composition of the sediments is represented by a ternary diagram, built on quartz, micas and plagioclase. It mimics depositional environments issued from actual tectonic environments such as continental block erosion, continental basement reworking, or magmatic arc setting. Melting occurs when the effective bulk composition (or mineral assemblage) corresponds to the melting reaction stoichiometry. For a large range of sedimentary protoliths, the melt generated at the eutectic is of granitic composition. In other cases, optimum melt productivity cannot be reached, but the melt is removed when reaching a significant abundance. In other cases, such as an anisotropic mineral distribution, i.e. implying less chances to have the adequate minerals in contact, induces melt layering, similar to the one observed in stromatic migmatites. In order to enhance melt productivity and melt transfer, a deformation field is imposed to the model, mimicking simple or pure shear in a vertical plane, maintaining the 2D pattern of the model. Simple shear is efficient in bringing adequate minerals in contact and thus favors melt production. The source composition is examined using its average composition within a quartz-feldspars-lithic (QFL) diagram according to the origin of the sediments. Melt production from sediments resulting from continental basement reworking (e.g., arenites) is low (<< 10% in volume), mostly because of the high quartz percentage. Sediments resulting from orogen recycling (e.g., argillites) also have a low melt productivity although mudstones can show melt productivity, up to 35–40%. The only tectonic setting yielding a large amount of melt (> 40%) corresponds to a magmatic arc setting. Such situations correspond to an enhanced extraction of the melt, through a horizontal lateral stress field, modelled by simple or pure shear in our experiments.