A new study suggests that a mineral found in the gemstone peridot can significantly reduce carbon emissions caused by the construction sector.
The construction sector accounts for 37% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Olivine, the mineral that causes peridot’s bright green color, can be used to make cement that is strong, durable and has low carbon emissions, the researchers said in the study.
In addition, products made from this mineral can replace kiln-fired bricks and gypsum board (two commonly used materials that are rich in carbon).
The energy used by industries to grind and then mix the ingredients to make cement comes from fossil fuels. Similarly, bricks are fired in kilns at 1000 degrees to 1200 degrees celsius to make them strong and durable. is made
Cement and bricks account for eight and 2.7 percent of carbon emissions, respectively, and replacing these items with alternatives made from olivine could potentially reduce global carbon emissions by about 11 percent.
Fortunately, our land is full of olivine. These igneous rocks make up the Earth’s upper mantle (the layer between the Earth’s core and the crust) and the layers of the oceans.
