Investigation of the effects of salt crystalling on surface quality in some marble

In this study, it is aimed to determine the negative effects caused by various salt effects in some rocks used in our country. Polished surface samples were collected from marble proccessing plants in eastern part of Turkey (Malatya-Elazığ) and they are (Rosso Levanto, Verde Antico, Hazar Beige, Malatya Apricot) widely used domestically and abroad. The mineralogical structures were determined by XRD and thin section analysis and chemical composition was determined by XRF analysis. The physical properties (Moh's hardness, unit weight, dry weight loss, porosity, water absorbtion) were determined suggested by TSE and ISRM methods. Gloss and colour measurements were performed on polished surface of samples. Salt crystallisation tests were performed according to TS EN 12370 standart during 30 cycles. Four different salt (Na2SO4 .10H2O, MgSO4, BaCl2, NaClO) were used in salt crystallization tests, at the and of the every five cycles weight, gloss, colour measurement ere recorded and changes were evaluated salt crystallizions in sample are explained by SEM-EDX analysis. As a result of the cycles weight loss, gloss and colour changes were observed in all of the samples. Porosity and water absorbtion capasity are the most important in salt crystallization. In addition samples which contain significant amount serpantine were affected more salt crystallization. Keywords: Salt crystallisation, surface glossiness, surface roughness colour, marble.