Petrography and Geochemistry of Gahirat Marble in Relation to Geotechnical Investigation: Implications for Dimension Stone, Chitral, Northwest Pakistan

The modernization of human civilization has led to the prospect better and more durable building materials. Marble, found in various colors textures, been used as a stone for centuries, either cut or polished stone. present study evaluated petrological, geochemical, geotechnical characterizations Gahirat Marble formation It is exposed over an area 160 square kilometers southwestern Chitral. divided into two parts, i.e., eastern western parts. part coarse crystalline rock that exhibits granulose structure was subjected amphibolite facies metamorphism, whereas its coarse-to-medium displays differential green schist metamorphism. Petrographically, it composed mainly calcite (>92%) with minute quartz, chlorite, muscovite, biotite, garnet, opaque minerals. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique analyze chemical composition showing pure calciocarbonate marble (CaO: 53.16–55.02 wt.%). specific gravity measured varies from 2.46–2.71 gm/cm3, water absorption <0.2%, sulfate soundness <0.65, due unconfined compressive strength, classified strong rock, thus conforming ASTM C503 specifications. results acquired investigated samples suggest they are suitable dimension stones. Until now, limitedly mined marketed but can be further exploited export trade, based upon petrographic, geotechnical, geochemical characterization.