A comparative analysis of the microstructural and physicochemical properties of alluvial and dune sands from northeast Algerian Sahara

This paper investigates the physical, chemical, and microstructural properties of two types natural sand; alluvial sands dune sand from El-Oued region in northeastern Algerian Sahara. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), granulometry analysis have been performed. The FTIR XRD prove that consist high percentages ?-quartz (SiO2), low amounts calcite (CaCO3), gypsum minerals (CaSO4;2H2O). chemical confirmed both a silica (SiO2) ratio, reaching 80% for 70% sand, besides very quantities Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O oxides. CaO content was higher than sand. shapes grain samples ranged angular to well-rounded. However, ranging sub-angular is poorly graded with mean size 250?m; whereas, well-graded 406?m. These findings demonstrate are mineralogically stable chemically suitable use as fine aggregates construction. Also, these could be significant sources quartz minerals.