The Tatuí Formation as a source of raw material in the ceramic pole of Santa Gertrudes (SP)

Abstract The importance of the Santa Gertrudes Ceramic Complex (SGCC) in the ceramic market is directly associated with the high quality of the Corumbataí Formation clays used in the manufacture of its products. Although the volumetric capacity of the Corumbataí Formation is able to meet the SGCC demand for the coming years, its industries are always in search of alternative sources for raw material, among these sources is the Tatuí Formation. In order to determine if the sediments coming from the Tatuí Formation have the potential to be used in the ceramist industry, geochemical, mineralogical and physical characterization tests were carried out on samples obtained from two different profiles. The analyses showed a sequence of fine sandstones rich in SiO2 and Al2O3, with a mineralogy composed of quartz, potassium feldspar / plagioclase (albite), filosilicates and iron oxides in secondary proportions. The ceramic tests, in turn, presented heterogeneous results for the specimens submitted to burning at 1150 º C, but in general, the material coming from the Tatuí Formation has a promising potential within the field of ceramic manufacturing.