Porosity measurements for some basalt rocks from the Gharyan Volcanic Province NW Libya

摘要

In this paper, Porosity and density measurements at atmospheric temperature and pressure were conducted on three basalt rock samples from Gharyan Volcanic Province (GVP) NW Libya. The properties examined for the basalts are: bulk and grain density and porosity. The properties found in the basalts are: the mean bulk density 2.823 grams/cm3 and the mean grain density 2.960 grams/cm3 and porosity range 1.311-7.809 %. To consider the possibility of using basalt rocks as a biological shielding against gamma-ray radiation, mass attenuation coefficients for basalt samples were calculated. Results indicate that the basalt rocks are more efficient against gamma-ray radiation than traditional lead materials. Some applications of basalt rocks in industries were suggested.