Elemental Chemical Analysis by X-ray Fluorescence of Calcarenite Stones Used in Historical Monuments Building of Rabat (Morocco)

A good knowledge of chemical properties, thermophysical and petrophysical parameters, makes it possible to understand the mechanisms of alteration of historical monuments, and to predict solutions limiting their evolution.The main objective of this work is chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on calcarenite stones, often used as a building material for historical monuments of Rabat (Morocco), in order to identify the nature of the rock.The elemental chemical composition shows high concentrations of CaO and SiO2, which confirms that the main phases of the calcarenite rock studied are calcite and quartz. These are the characteristic minerals of calcareous rocks.