Study of ceramic characterstics of clays of Razak and Mishan Formations of Fars Province

Razak and Mishan Formations(early to middle Miocene) in Polkavar and Zanjiran areas located in south and southwest of Fars province and Zagros foldbelt. Major minerals are Illite/Muscovite,Chlorite,Calcite,Quartz and minor minerals are Albite, Palygorskite. Analysis of whole rock show high amounts of CaO,MgO and low SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, Na2O. Low amount of CEC is due to presence of Illite, chlorite, palygorskite and or absences of vermiculite and montmorilonite. Atterberg limits indicates a rang between 10 to16. Final conclusion of these investigations indicate the potential usage of these sediments for brick,tile ceramic and earthenwares. Tile specimens were evaluated by XRD,Liner shrinkage drying and firing,LOI,Flexural strength drying and firing,water absorption. These are clear evidences between flexural strength,water absorption(WA), Liner shrinkage and the type of percentage of size grain