Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phosphate rock from Hazm Al-jalamid area, northern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Four samples of phosphate rock were collected from Hazm Al-Jalamid region (North of Saudi Arabia). These samples were treated and characterized using X-ray diffraction pattern XRF analysis, thermal analysis (DSC-TG), IR spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), and elemental analysis (ICP-OES). Crystallographic analysis showed that phosphate rock of this region consist of four principle inorganic phases with concentration varies from sample to another. In addition to calcium, elemental analysis verified the presence of other metals such as Fe, Al, Cd, Si and Mg. Infrared spectroscopy of the phosphate rocks reveals the presence of vibration bands characteristic of identified phases. The results of thermal analysis, essentially the mass loss were related to the variation of calcite and dolomite concentration in the phosphate rock. Keywords : Inorganic Phases, Phosphate Rock, Thermal Analysis.