Modern Quarrying January-February 2015

MARBLE BENEFICIATION

Table 4: Weight comparison between marble and glass jewellery.

Weight comparison between marble and glass

Product

Marble (g)

Glass beads (g)

Ring

15,8

11,3 66,3

Necklace 65,3

Earrings

5,5

9,5

T-shirt

92,9

98,9

Figure 5: Raw marble sample before processing.

Figure 6: Marble products made at Mintek.

been observed that end users prefer light- weight jewellery. A weight comparison between marble and glass bead jewellery was conducted. Conclusion Mintek’s role in this collaborative product was to perform a technical evaluation of the mineral products in order to deter- mine their properties and the potential beneficiation opportunities. The interview conducted with members of Griekwastad Precious Stone and Jewellery Services cc resulted in a better understanding of the knowledge of the community regarding

beneficiation. The information gathered in this study was very valuable, because now we know about the mineralogical composition of the marble. The workability of the marble was good, and all the products were produced with little effort. The aim of the research was achieved, and Mintek will now be able to train the Griekwastad commu- nity in marble beneficiation, the minerals present in marble, safe use of equipment, and health and safety.

duced by crushing the samples. • The texture of the marble sample was smoothed by tumbling. • The colour of the samples was enhanced by polishing. Marble beads were used to produce a necklace, earrings, a decorative shirt and a ring; thus adding value to the mineral. These products are of good quality and aesthetically appealing as illustrated in Figure 6 . The marble and prefabricated metal bonded well with epoxy to form a ring. Weight plays an important role in the marketability of jewellery products. It has

Recommendations This study should be developed further.

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MODERN QUARRYING

January - February 2015