Belite
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Belite is an industrial mineral important in Portland cement manufacture. Its main constituent is dicalcium silicate, Ca2SiO4, sometimes formulated as 2 CaO · SiO2.
Simplified crystal structure of belite
Clinker section 0.15 x 0.15 mm
Alite
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Alite is an impure form of tricalcium silicate, Ca3SiO5, sometimes formulated as 3CaO·SiO2, typically with 3-4% of substituent oxides. It is the major, and characteristic, phase in Portland cement. Th
Belite
…Belite is the mineral in Portland cement responsible for development of "late" strength. The other silicate, alite contributes "early" strength, due to its higher reactivity. Belite reacts with water (roughly) to form calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H) and portlandite…
Simplified crystal structure of alite.