Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Clays from the Kerri-Kerri Sub-Basin N.E Nigeria

Abstract

Clays from the Kerri-Kerri Formation were investigated in order to determine their mineralogical, chemical composition, weathering pattern and possible industrial applications. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (X-RF) analysis was used in order to achieved the desired objective. SiO₂ is dominant in all the sample with value ranging between 47.6-76.2 wt%, Al₂O₃ (14.10-36.40) wt%, Fe₂O₃ (0.35-8.69) wt%, Mno, MgO, CaO, Na₂O and K₂O are in minor amounts. Based on the Mineralogy the clays have kaolinite as the only clay mineral with values between 19.52 wt%-90.37wt%, quartz is the dominant non-clay mineral which has values between 4.75 wt %- 65.16wt%, anatase, rutile, microcline, hematite and muscovite are in minor amounts. All the clays indicate a source from region of intense chemical weathering under warm climate and they can be used in ceramic and refractory bricks.