In this study the possibilty of using magnesite wastes, which were consist of during the production of magnesite from Tutluca village (southwest of Eskisehir/Turkey) ore bed to make ceramic tile bodies were explored. The magnesite deposits of Tutluca village lie in serpentinized harzburgites and dunites of Alpine type ultramafic rocks. The features of magnesite production wastes were investigated by applying thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Examined magnesite wastes were added to ceramic tile body compositions in different amounts (20-80 wt.%). Prepared ceramic tile samples were sintered in a laboratory type fast firing kiln at firing temperature and cycle of 1165 degrees C for 37 minute. Linear firing shrinkage, water absorption, firing strength and porosity values of the resultant products were measured as a function of increasing magnesite waste content. XRD and SEM analysis of resultant products were also investigated. As a result of this study, it has been seen that magnesite production wastes can be utilized as an alternative raw materials for production of ceramic tile with the properties in accordance with wall tiles.

Keywords: Magnesite production wastes; Ceramic tile; Forsterite; Enstatite