Determining mineralogical and chemical differences in flanks of the Lukoshkinskoye ceramic clay deposit of the Lipetsk region by disintegration

The Lukoshkinskoye ceramic clay deposit (Lipetsk region) consists of three isolated areas. The main focus of this study was the South-West area, but individual samples were also taken in the South-East area. Previous researchers have attributed the clays of the productive layer at this deposit to the Aptian stage of the lower part of the Cretaceous system, and the overlying loams to the Neopleistocene [1]. A comprehensive study was conducted: the mineral and chemical composition of the productive clay layer, as well as overburden loams rocks, were studied. The possibility of enriching all varieties using a disintegrator was separately considered. The quality of the raw materials largely depends on the kaolinite content (directly influencing the refractoriness and the sintering corridor for facade bricks), as well as the amount of harmful impurities: coloring (iron, titanium), and those affecting the melting point (phosphorus). Layers 1 and 2 contain significant amounts of kaolinite (up to 20%) and quartz (up to 60%). For Layers 1 and 2, the disintegration method proved effective: the kaolinite content increased to 70%, and the iron content in the samples was reduced by more than half. The loams of the overburden that are stored in a waste heap have a more complex composition: the kaolinite content does not exceed 12% and almost the same amount of chlorite, micas, and smectite. The enrichment method led to a sharp increase in the smectite content to 46%, necessitating further research into the potential uses of the rocks that are currently stored in stockpiles.

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