As a result of the studies conducted in Niğde and its surrounding areas, various metallic minerals, including gold-silver, antimony, copper-lead-zinc, mercury, iron, and tungsten deposits and occurrences, as well as industrial raw materials such as diatomite, gypsum, marble, and brick-tile raw materials have been discovered.

According to the data from the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA):

• Niğde province, Ulukışla district, is rich in gold-silver, copper-lead-zinc, iron, and gypsum.
• Niğde province, Çamardı district, is rich in copper-lead-zinc, iron, antimony, and mercury.
• Niğde province, Bor district, is known for its marble, brick, and tile.
• Niğde province, Altunhisar and Çiftlik districts, are abundant in pumice, perlite, and diatomite.
• Niğde province, Merkez district, has significant deposits of iron, mercury, antimony, marble, and calcite.

Niğde's Natural Resource Potential

Geographical Indication Registered Niğde Calcite

The geographically indicated Niğde Calcite holds a significant place in the economy of Niğde province. It is extracted from Hıdırlık location in the central district of Niğde. Calcite is the main mineral in carbonate rocks (limestone, marble, chalk). It is found in various crystal forms (rhombohedral, scalenohedral), has a vitreous luster, and is transparent with a colorless structure.

Calcite has a wide range of industrial applications, starting from raw calcite, mosaic stones, granules, micronized calcites ground to micron and nanometric sizes, and surface-activated (coated) calcites.

Three qualities define the quality of this mineral during its use: particle size, color, and chemical purity. These characteristics determine the suitability of the mineral for various applications. The color of calcite stone varies from bright white to light gray, and the calcium carbonate content ranges from 80.0% to 99.9%.

For calcite, impurities such as iron, magnesium, and aluminum (Fe, Mg, Al) are low when obtained from the geographical region. Due to the high calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content of Niğde Calcite, it is known for its high whiteness and purity.

Niğde Calcite is the largest and whitest calcite source in Turkey.

In the reserves in Niğde:

• The CaCO3 percentage is high.

• Silica and iron impurities are very low.

• The degree of whiteness after grinding is very high.

Micronized calcites ground to micron size are generally used in the following sectors:

• Paper Industry

• Paint Industry

• Plastic and Cable Industry

• Construction Sector for Plaster, Putty, and Grout Production

• Adhesives

• Food Industry

• Ceramic Industry

• Carpet Base and Flooring Industry