How do you test/check cement bought?

Some easy testing methods for Quality checks.

1.  Colour. The colour of the cement should be typical cement colour

 i. e.  Gray shade with green tint. It is not a reliable test but gives an

 indication of excess ingredients if any or of inadequate burning.

2.  Physical properties.

-The cement powder should be felt smooth and fine when touched or when a handful of it is picked. If it is rough, it indicates adulteration of sand or an alike substance.

   -If the hand is inserted in the bag or heap of cement, it should      

    feel cool and not warm.

-If a small quantity of cement is thrown on stagnant water in a bucket, it should not float and it should sink.

   -The cement paste should not give an earthy smell.

Presence of lumps. The cement should be free from any hard lump. These lumps are formed due to absorption of moisture when inadequately stored.