Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of Quartz in Different Granular Types of Ouargla Region Sand Dunes – Algeria

In this paper, it is shown that Ouargla region (Algeria) sand dunes are very rich in quartz. This study aims to assess the quartz in the different granular sand types, using XRD spectroscopy. Granulometric classification and the size distribution curve were carried out. The X’Pert HighScore program based on the Rietveld refinement was used in analyzing the XRD data. Qualitative and quantitative quartz evaluations were carried out. It was deduced that the quartz was of the α phase. The concentrations of quartz have been calculated as: the very fine sand (0.063-0.100 mm) possessing the highest value of 82.05 %, followed by the coarse sand (0.500-1.000 mm) with 78 %, while in both the medium (0.250-0.500 mm) and the fine (0.100-0.250 mm) the concentration was about 67 %, whereas, the lowest one was 18.2 % in the very coarse sand (1-2 mm). These results were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Crystallite sizes of quartz have been estimated, and their distribution curve versus grain sizes has been illustrated. It was found that the crystallite sizes in the fine sand are less than 100 nm, and thus may be considered as nanometric particles.