ABSTRACT
Mineralogy of five technological talc-serpentinite rock samples collected from El Naba and El-Thamila El-Zarka areas of the Egyptian Eastern Desert were investigated with polarizing microscope, electron microprobe microanalyzer as well as XRD and DTA methods In order to assess their suitability for ceramic manufacturing, their firing characteristics were studied by following up their vitrification up to 1500°C. Phase composition and pore-size distribution as well as microstructure and microchemistry of selected vitrified samples were investigated using XRD, Pore - sizer as well as SEM and EDAX techniques. Therefore the talc sample is recommended for application as a ceramic tile manufacture. On the other side, talc and serpentinite samples are recommended for the production of cordierite and forsterite ceramics, respectively.
