Investigation on the utilization of permo-carboniferous, upper cretaceous, eocene age limestone as marble in Southern Malatya

The objective of this study is to determine physical, chemical and mechanical properties of three differently aged limestones in which are located the south of Malatya. Using basal geological maps done earlier, from Koltik limestone of the Permo-Caboniferous, Tohma limestone of the Upper Cretaceous and Gedik limestone of the Eocene age, stratigraphic sections, bedding and fracture measurements were conducted along with, systamatic and site samples were collected. Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the samples were determined. These properties were evaluated in regard to TSE And ASTM standarts, which were used widespread in the marble industries. According to TSE and ASTM standarts which were used as widespread for the marble industries, these features were interpretad. According to TSE standarts bed thickness, unit weight, spesific gravity, water absorption, uniaxial compressive strength,resistivity to acidity and frost actionvalues were found to be suitable for marble industries. According to ASTM standarts, uniaxial compressive strength and resistivity to acidity are suitable for marble industries. X-Ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis indicated that Koltik limestone consists mainly of calcite, aragonite and dolomite minerals, Tohma limestone is composed of calsite mineral and Gedik limestone is made up of calcite and aragonite minerals. Koltik limestone has mean values CaC03 86.6% and MgCO310.9%. Tohma limestone has mean values CaC03 39.1 % and MgC03 3.97. %, Gedik limestone has mean values CaC03 94.48 % and MgC03 3.35 %.On the basis of bed thickness and geological reserves, limestones are suitable for the marble industry.Key Words: Southern of Malatya, Permo-Carboniferous, Upper Cretaceous, Eocene, Marble, Limestone