Geological and geochemical signatures of the calcite quarry in the southeast of Biga (Çanakkale, Turkey)

Abstract

Calcite is a significant industrial raw material used in many fields owing to its properties.
For this reason, determining the calcite quarry's geological and geochemical
characteristics promotes the sector. This study was carried out to explain the geological
and geochemical properties of the marble blocks of Paleozoic metamorphics located in
the Biga peninsula. The length of this area, operated as a calcite quarry, is 350 meters,
and its width is around 50 meters. Although alterations are partially observed due to the
effect of faulting, the alteration is quite low in the main production area. Secondary
minerals are rarely seen in fractures and cracks in marbles that display texturally
granular texture. In geochemical analyzes, CaO values are around 55%, and MgO values
are quite low. These data show that the calcite quarry suggests remarkably useful
properties in terms of industrial raw materials.