Petrographic, geochemical, and petrophysical controls on the quality of onyx travertine from Sidi Roumane (Aïn Smara, Northeastern Algeria): implications for decorative application
摘要
This study aims to evaluate the quality of unexploited onyx travertine from Sidi Roumane (Aïn Smara, northeastern Algeria) by examining the impact of structural and chemical composition on its physico-mechanical properties. Four structures were identified: banded, calcitic “flame”, collomorphic, and brecciated. Sixteen samples were analysed by petrography, X-ray diffraction, ICP-OES geochemistry, petrophysical analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). Geochemical analysis shows that all structures are primarily calcite, with trace amounts of hematite, quartz, and smithsonite, indicating fluctuations in depositional conditions. Fe, Mn, Zn, and Si significantly influence petrophysical properties. Iron and manganese influence the colour range, while higher zinc and silicate especially in brecciated types are linked to hydrothermal mineralisation, higher porosity, and reduced strength. In addition to chemical differences, rock structure plays a key role in petrophysical properties. Bulk density ranges from 2.52 to 2.61 g/cm3, while total porosity varies from 3.29 to 6.6%. The capillary absorption coefficient ranges from 2.86 to 9.28 g/m2s0.5, and compressive strength from 12.46 to 25.04 MPa. Banded, collomorphic and calcitic “flame” types exhibit higher strength and lower porosity, whereas the brecciated type is more porous and mechanically weaker. These petrophysical differences reflect the influence of the original geochemical composition. PCA reveals that quality variation is mainly governed by two factors: the balance between carbonate purity and silicate or metallic impurities, and the influence of iron and magnesium on bulk density and total porosity. These results define key criteria for the selection and use of onyx travertine, independent of its origin.