Use of the Benghazi Formation in Aggregate Industry: A Case Study of Two Quarries in Northeastern Libya

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the Benghazi Formation (i.e. dolomitic limestone) as aggregates for building. We selected two quarries located in northeastern Libya, namely the Al Huarry cement quarry and the Al Abyar quarry. Eight limestone samples were subjected to inductivity coupled plasma-mass spectrometry technique for major oxides. The main carbonate minerals in the studied samples are calcite and dolomite. The chemical classification of limestone samples are impure. This study revealed that dolomitic limestone in both quarries are suitable for aggregates.