Deep Insights into the Radiation Shielding Features of Heavy Minerals in Their Native Status: Implications for Their Physical, Mineralogical, Geochemical, and Morphological Properties

Barite and hematite are the most common heavy-weight minerals applied as aggregates in radiation shielding concrete (RSC). Therefore, to limit cement consumption reduce CO2 emissions accompanying its production, aim of this study is use Egyptian barite their native status evaluate attenuation efficiency against fast neutrons ?-rays. This was implemented through measurement ?-rays energy ranges 0.80–11 0.40–8.30 MeV, respectively, employing a Pu-Be source stilbene scintillator. Theoretical calculations were prepared using NXcom program validate neutron measurements. Furthermore, implications physical, mineralogical, geochemical, morphological characteristics these with respect efficiencies considered. We found that has superior for compared by 9.17 51% ?-rays, respectively. ascribed properties former relative those latter. satisfactory agreement between experimental theoretical results achieved, deviation 16 19.25% samples, Eventually, can be successful candidates sustainable alternatives RSC.