Assessment of the potential use of limestone based on the examples of the selected deposits from southern Poland

possible directions of use and the economic potential of limestone
that occurs in the deposits of southern Poland in a broader
international context and also to propose a methodical algorithm,
allowing for the identification of the essential uses of limestone.
The Carboniferous and Middle Triassic rocks were tested.
Macroscopic and microscopic description, X-ray fluorescence
(XRF), qualitative and quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well
as tests of physical-mechanical and sorption properties were
performed. The limestones are high-purity rocks (CaO content
≥49.95 wt.%; CaCO3 content ≥93.8%) with a low proportion of
admixtures (mainly SiO2 as well as Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO and Na2O).
They have a broad scope of applications. Depending on their origin
and properties, they can be used for the production of cement and
lime, as a road aggregate, fertilizer, animal feed additive, mine
safety dust or a sorbent for flue gas desulphurization in the iron and
steel industry, as well as a component for glass production. The Xray fluorescence (XRF) analysis can be applied as an effective
principal tool for assessing the suitability of limestone for various
economic purposes. On this basis, the rock varieties for further
investigation, including the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and
tests of the physical-mechanical and sorption properties, can be
selected.