Preliminary Ornamental Classification of Biotitic Granites from Cubal (SW of Angola)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin/136.2/002Keywords:
Granite, Ornamental stone, Cubal, Potential, ClassificationAbstract
In the Cubal region between Benguela and Huambo (SW of Angola), grey biotite granites of middle Paleoproterozoic age occur on a planation surface as residual reliefs, either of inselberg or inselgbirge type. The objective of this work is to carry out the preliminary classification of the grey granites of the Cubal region (SW of Angola), ranking the areas in relation to their potential in granites as ornamental rocks. Six granite lithotypes were identified, which can be grouped into 3 sets according to their textural characteristics. The petrographic analysis reveals that from a mineralogical point of view, granitic lithotypes are very similar with a significant content of plagioclase. The samples chemical analysis shows a homogeneous acidic composition in the granite composition range. Tests were carried out to determine real and apparent density, total and open porosity, water absorption at atmospheric pressure, compressive strength, and bending strength. The results show that the Cubal granites have the characteristics of quality ornamental stones, which in general can be used in all types of applications, in interior and exterior environments. Based on a set of variables, an empirical classification of the ornamental potential of the granites was made, where 4 levels of increasing potential in the study area are established.
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