Experimental study of Palaeozoic limestones of the Barrandian and their possible use for burning of hydraulic limes and natural cement

54 Summary In this experimental study, selected Devonian limestones of the Prague Basin (i.e. samples from the historic quarry of Branické skály) were examined to find their suitability for production of hydraulic limes or for natural cement. Four representative samples of the dvorecko-prokopské limestone were sampled in the form of blocks weighing approximately 10 kg each, from the layer of the quarry wall that had been chosen based on literature research. A detailed mineralogical-petrographic examination of samples was the first step, in an attempt to obtain their mineralogical composition, microstructure and texture. Samples were analysed by polarizing microscopy and cathodoluminescence of thin sections, and X-ray diffraction of insoluble residues determined by treatment with both the hydrochloric acid and the acetic acid solution. Mineralogical composition of the insoluble residuals was illite, kaolinite, quartz and Na-plagioclase (albite). Two samples contained among above mentioned mineral phases also chlorite. The utility of studied limestones for the production of hydraulic binders (hydraulic limes and natural cement) was derived from both the calculations based on obtained chemical analyses (included standard cement and lime indexes and modules) and the firing experiments. The firing experiments..