LAMA DE BENEFICIAMENTO DE ROCHAS ORNAMENTAIS PROCESSADAS NO ESPÍRITO SANTO: COMPOSIÇÃO E APROVEITAMENTO:

The production of dimension stones for coating generates a thin-grained residue from the discarding of the Dimension Stone Processing Sludge (DSPS), whose composition indicates potential use in several productive sectors. Here, we describe the compositional variability of the DSPS and different types of rocks, aiming to identify the factors that control the composition of the wastes generated by block sawing. Thirty-five samples of rocks were collected, together with the DSPS produced during the cutting of these rocks. The samples were collected directly at the loom discharge point in companies of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim County (ES), which is the main production pole in the State of Espirito Santo. The mapping of the companies' production process allowed to measure the amount of waste generated by each block sawed and showed the relevance of a stricter loss control. The comparison between rocks and DSPS revealed a strong similarity between these matrices, except for some elements such as iron and calcium, which are added as an input in the processing through conventional looms. The samples were grouped into five sets with potential uses in cosmetics, soil applications, ceramics manufacture, building or simply as a filler.