Proprieties of Different Cement Minerals

Tricalcium Silicate (ALITE) C3S

This mineral tracks the ordinary Portland cement regarding setting rate and develops highest strength after nearly a week of mixing with water. Alite ranges from 35 - 50% in the ordinary Portland cement.

Tricalcium Aluminate C3A

This compound sets quickly with high temperature. It ranges from 7 to 15% so it should not exceed 3.5% in cement.

Tetracalcium Aluminoferrite (celite) C4AF

This compound sets quickly but in a rate less than C3A. It ranges from 5 to 10% in cement. It is preferred in sulfate resisting cement to C3A as it is more resistant to sulfate.