Characterization and Classification of Purity of Limestone in Madura Island for Industrial Application

Abstract

The characterization and classification of purity of limestone at Madura Island was investigated. Sampling was taken from nine quarries from different areas. The chemical analysis was carried out by X-ray fluorescence (XRF); the crystalline phase was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Analysis of purity classification based on XRF and XRD results according to British Geological Survey. Limestone has different purity, there are very high, medium, low and impure purity. The sample has a very high purity from Pamekasan (P.1) with CaO content of 99.06 wt% and 100% calcite. The samples are medium purity from Bangkalan (B.1, B.3), Pamekasan (P.2), Sumenep (S.1, and S.3) with CaO content of 91.61- 93.67 wt%. The samples are low purity from S.2 with CaO content 85.79 wt% and 100% dolomite. And the sample has impurities from P.3 and B.2 with CaO content 82.3 wt% and 84.7 wt%. Limestone with very high and medium purity which is processed into PCC can be applied in many industries as filler in rubber, paper making, plastic, paint, food, pharmaceutical, ceramic, adhesives, sealants, agriculture, and animal feed.