Evaluation and Beneficiation of Feldspar from Arkosic Sandstone in South Jordan for Application in the Ceramic Industry

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the beneficiation and upgrading processes of a Jordanian feldspar ores to be finally implemented in the ceramic industry. The experimental work was conducted to evaluate the role of particle size distribution, chemical composition, mineral content and the magnetic impurities (Fe₂O₃ +TiO₂ contents). The beneficiation of the 500-45 μm fractions, which constitutes about 30 % of the ore, assaying 10.9 % Al₂O₃, equivalent to approximately ca 56 % feldspar, with a mean of magnetic content of 0.95 % iron and titanium oxides. The relationship of potassic-to-sodic feldspar amounts to approximately 18:1 in the feldspar fraction. High intensity magnetic separation and froth flotation test work was carried out, in order to decrease the iron contamination and increase the feldspar content. Magnetic separation alone decreased the iron contents of the feed to a range between 0.10 and 0. 12 % iron oxides with an average yield greater than 85 %. Flotation with HF provided a feldspar recovery of 45-55 % with a concentrates assaying 17-17.35 % Al₂O₃. Iron contents were decreased from 0.46-0.68 % to 0.17-0.23 %.