Mineralogical characteristics and gemological investigation of limestone with coral fossils observed aroud cocak stream (north of Mersin)

In this thesis study, mineralogical-petrographic properties and gemological usability of Miocene aged limestones with coral fossils observed in around Cocak stream, in the north of Aslanköy region of Mersin province, were determined. Fossil-bearing limestones were examined using optical mineralogical methods, and it was determined that both limestones and the coral fossils are composed of carbonate minerals. Detailed Mineralogical examination of coral-rich limestones using X-ray diffraction method revealed that they are composed entirely of calcite minerals. Mineralogical descriptions of the selected samples were made by X-Ray diffraction method. Slices were taken from the coral-fossil-bearing limestone considering their patterns, and various coloring methods were applied to these slices for coloring studies. Additionally, limestone rich in coral fossils was shaped by combining it with colored and colorless epoxy resin, and after shaping for ease of processing, high-appeal products were obtained. This study is the first of its kind in our country regarding the gemological usability of fossil coral-bearing limestone. In terms of addressing the lack of information in this field, it serves as a foundational work for future researchers.