Geology, physical and chemical properties of carbonate rocks from Crete, Greece.

Naturally occurring carbonate rocks include limestone, dolomite, chalk, marble, travertine and vein calcite, and have been important raw materials for thousands of years. A large survey has been carried out of the mineralogy, chemistry, and physical and chemical properties of the carbonate rocks of Crete. The results showed that most materials have high purity and good physical properties. Many marbles from the Plattenkalk Series have superior colour properties and are free of impurities. It is suggested that the Cretan carbonate rocks are under-utilised, a situation which will probably not change due to environmental restrictions on exploitation. Possible future applications, however, are in white filler and lime manufacture.
Naturally occurring carbonate rocks include limestone, dolomite, chalk, marble, travertine and vein calcite, and have been important raw materials for thousands of years. A large survey has been carried out of the mineralogy, chemistry, and physical and chemical properties of the carbonate rocks of Crete. The results showed that most materials have high purity and good physical properties. Many marbles from the Plattenkalk Series have superior colour properties and are free of impurities. It is suggested that the Cretan carbonate rocks are under-utilised, a situation which will probably not change due to environmental restrictions on exploitation. Possible future applications, however, are in white filler and lime manufacture.