Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mineralogical, geochemical, and industrial appraisal of kaolinitic claystones in Share area, northcentral Nigeria

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The mineralogical, chemical, and physical characteristics of sedimentary clay bodies around Share area were studied to establish their potentials as industrial raw materials. The clays occur as interbeds within the Bida Sandstone Formation, which overlies the quartzite-dominated basement rocks of the Northern Bida Basin. Kaolinitic clay samples were collected from six vertical pits and subjected to mineralogical, chemical, and geotechnical analyses. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogical data show kaolinite (88.17%) as the principal clay mineral, while quartz, muscovite, and paragonite are in minor amounts. The geochemical composition reveals moderate SiO2 (48.58 wt.%) but high Al2O3 (34.34 wt.%) contents, while MgO, CaO, K2O, Na2O, P2O5, Fe2O3, TiO2, MnO, and Cr2O3 contents are generally low in all the samples. The geotechnical parameters indicate a moderate amount of fine particles (64–74%) and plasticity index (6.10–14.45%) and modest bulk density (2.65–2.68 g/cm3) but low shrinkage (2.2–4.3%), loss on ignition (9.90–14.29%), and water absorption capacity (14.04–17.74%). These assessments indicate that the clay bodies around Share area can be used as raw material in ceramic, refractory, paper, paint, plastic, rubber, textile, fertilizer, and petrochemical industries.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Data and materials used for this study are available upon request.

Code availability

Not applicable.

References

  • Abatan SO, Odukoya AA, Ehimiyen UA, Bankole BO (1993) Limestone and shale investigation for cement manufacture at Somo, near Sagamu, Ogun State. Unpublished Technical Report, Geological Survey of Nigeria, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

  • Abimbola AF (1997) Petrographic and paragenetic studies of the Agbaja Ironstone Formation, Nupe Basin, Nigeria. J Afr Earth Sci 25:169–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abimbola AF, Badejoko TA, Elueze AA, Akande SO (1999) The Agbaja Ironstone Formation, Nupe Basin, Nigeria: a product of replacement of a kaolinite precursor. Glob J Pure Appl Sci 5:375–384

    Google Scholar 

  • Adeleye DR (1989) The geology of the Middle Niger Basin. In: Kogbe CA (ed) Geology of Nigeria, 2nd Revised. Abiprint and Pak Printer, Ibadan, pp 335–339

    Google Scholar 

  • Adeleye AM, Odurinde OO, Abdullahi WH (2019) Molecular and trace element geochemistry of shales of Patti Formation, Southern Bida Basin, central Nigeria. Warta Geologi 45(3):269–271

    Google Scholar 

  • Adeola AJ (2015) Mineralogy and geochemistry of residual clay occurrences in Idi-Ayunre and Akure areas, southwestern Nigeria. J Geogr Geol 7(4):23–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aghamelu OP, Okogbue CO (2015) Characterization of some clays from Nigeria for use in drilling mud. Appl Clay Sci 116–117:158–166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akande SO, Ojo OJ, Erdtmann BD, Hetenyi M (2005a) Paleoenvironments, organic petrology and rock-eva studies on source rock facies of the Lower Maastrichtian Patti Formation, Southern Bida Basin, Nigeria. J Afri Earth Sci 41:394–406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akande SO, Ojo OJ, Ladipo KO (2005) Upper Cretaceous sequences in the Southern Bida Basin, Nigeria: a Field Guidebook. Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Geological Field Guide 01. Mosuro Publishers, Ibadan

    Google Scholar 

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) (1989) Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Part 19. ASTM, Philadephia

    Google Scholar 

  • Astier JE, Donseau M, Uwadiale GO (1989) The Lokoja oolitic ironstone deposit: possible use in the Ajaokuta iron and steel plant. J Mining Geol 25(1&2):111–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Balan E, Calas G, Bish DL (2014) Kaolin-group minerals: from hydrogen-bounded layer to environmental recorders. Element 10(3):183–188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bloodworth AJ, Highley DE, Mitchell CJ (1993) Kaolin. Industrial Mineral Laboratory Manual, British Geological Survey Technical Report WG/93/1.

  • Bolarinwa AT, Idakwo SO, Bish DL (2021) Source area weathering, provenance and tectonic settings of the Campanian-Maastrichtian clay sequences in the Lower Benue Trough of Nigeria. J Afr Ear Sci 173:1–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Braide SP (1992) Geological development, origin, and energy mineral resources potential of the Lokoja Formation in the Southern Bida Basin. J Mining Geol 28(1):33–44

    Google Scholar 

  • British Geological Survey Mineral Profile (2005) Cement raw materials. BGS Natural Environment Research Council

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown G (2014) Kaolins: nanominerals with a proud heritage. Element 10(3):163–164

    Google Scholar 

  • BS 1795 (1976) Specifications for extenders for paints, British Standards Institution, BS1795:1976 (1980).

  • Bundy WM (1993) The diverse industrial applications of kaolin. In: Murray HH, Bundy WM, Harvey C (eds) Kaolin Genesis and Utilization. Spec Publication of the Clay Minerals Society, Colorado, pp 43–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Casagrande A (1948) Classification and identification of soils. Trans Am Soc Civ Eng 113:901–992

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chatterjee KK (2009) Uses of industrial minerals, rocks and freshwater. Nova Science Publisher Inc, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Christidis GE (2011) Industrial Clays. Eur Mineral Union Notes Mineral 9:341–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Ciullo PA (1996) Industrial minerals and their uses (A Handbook and Formulary). Noyes Publication, New Jersey

    Google Scholar 

  • Diko-Makia L, Ligege R (2020) Composition and technological properties of clays for structural ceramics in Limpopo (South Africa). Minerals 10(700):1–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Djangang CN, Elimbi A, Melo UC, Lecomte GL, Nkoumbou C, Soro J, Yvon J, Blanchart P, Njopwouo D (2008) Refractory ceramics from clays of Mayouom and mvan in Cameroon. Appl Clay Sci 39:10–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dondi M, Raimondo M, Zanelli C (2014) Clays and bodies for ceramic tiles: reappraisal and technological classification. Appl Clay Sci 96:91–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ehinola OA, Sonibare OO, Falana AM, Jarvie DM (2006) Organic geochemistry and biomarker evaluation of shale units of the Maastrichtian Patti Formation, Bida Basin, Nigeria. Niger Assoc Pet Explor Bull 19(1):78–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekosse GE (2010) Kaolin deposits and occurrences in Africa: geology, mineralogy and utilization. Appl Clay Sci 50:212–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elueze AA, Bolarinwa AT (2001) Appraisal of the residual and sedimentary clays in parts of Abeokuta area, southwestern Nigeria. J Mining Geol 37(1):7–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Elueze AA, Ntekim EE, Ekwere SJ (1999) Compositional and industrial assessment of clay bodies in Itu area, southeastern Nigeria. J Mining Geol 35(2):117–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Elueze AA, Bakare C, Bolarinwa AT (2004) Mineralogical, chemical and industrial characteristics of residual clay occurrences in Iwo and Ijebu districts, southwestern Nigeria. J Mining Geol 40(2):119–126

    Google Scholar 

  • Emofurieta WO, Kayode AA, Coker SA (1992) Mineralogy, geochemistry and economic evaluation of the kaolin deposits near Ubulu, Awo-Omama and Buan in southern Nigeria. J Mining Geol 28(2):211–220

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiori C, Fabbri B, Donati G, Venturi I (1989) Mineralogical composition of the clay bodies used in the Italian tile industry. Appl Clay Sci 4:461–473

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frados J (1965) Modern plastic encyclopaedia. McGraw Hill Publication, No. 1A, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Gamiz E, Melgosa M, Sanchez-Maranon M, Martin-Garcia JM, Delgado R (2005) Relationships between chemico-mineralogical composition and color properties in selected natural and calcined Spanish kaolins. Appl Clay Sci 28:269–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hill RJ, Howard CJ (1987) Quantitative phase analysis from neutron powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method. J Appl Crystallogr 20:467–474

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huber JM (1985) Kaolin Clays. Huber Corporation (Clay Division), Georgia

    Google Scholar 

  • Idowu JO, Enu EI (1992) Petroleum geochemistry of some Late Cretaceous shales from the Lokoja Sandstone of Middle Niger Basin. J Afri Earth Sci 14:443–455

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • JCPDS (1974) Selected powder diffraction data for minerals. Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards, LG Berry ((Ed), Philadelphia

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller WD (1964) Kird-Othmer Encyclopedia of chemical technology, vol 5. John Wiley and Son Inc, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kogel JE (2014) Mining and processing kaolin. Element 10(3):189–193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuscu M, Yildiz A (2016) The mineralogy, geochemistry, and suitability for ceramic applications of Akharim (Afyonkarahisar, W Turkey) kaolinitic clay. Arab J Geosci 9:510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu L, Liu Q, Algeo T, Zhang H, Yang Y, Peng G, Zhang S, Hong H, Liu D (2021) Mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of kaolinitic claystone deposits in the Datong Coalfield, northern China. Clays Clay Miner 69(1):68–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez-Galindo A, Viseras C, Cerezo P (2007) Compositional, technical and safety specifications of clays to be used as pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Appl Clay Sci 36:51–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray HH (2000) Traditional and raw application for kaolin, smectite and palygorskite: a general overview. Appl Clay Sci 17:207–221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray HH (2003) Clay in industry. In: Dominguez EA, Mas GR, Cravero F (eds) A Clay Odyssey. Elsevier Sci Publ, Amsterdam, pp 3–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray HH (2007) Applied clay mineralogy: occurrences, processing and application of kaolins, bentonites, palygorskite-sepiolite and common clays (developments in clay science 2). Elsevier, Amsterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray HH, Kogel JE (2005) Engineered clay products for the paper industry. Appl Clay Sci 29(3–4):199–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2004.12.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Fertilizers Company of Nigeria (NAFCON) (1985) Tender document for the supply of kaolin from Nigeria sources

    Google Scholar 

  • Nkoumbou C, Njoya A, Njoya D, Grosbois C, Njopwouo D, Yvou J, Martin F (2009) Kaolin from Mayouom (Wester Cameroon): industrial suitability evaluation. Appl Clay Sci 43:118–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nnuka EE, Utin T, Adeogoye MS (1998) Compositional characteristics and industrial potentials of IkotIgwe-Okon clay deposits, Calabar Flank, southeastern Nigeria. J Mining Geol 34(2):181–186

    Google Scholar 

  • Nton ME, Adamolekun OJ (2016) Sedimentological and geochemical characteristics of outcrop sediments of Southwestern Bida Basin, central Nigeria: implications for provenance, paleoenvironment and tectonic history. Ife J Sci 18(2):345–369

    Google Scholar 

  • Nton ME, Elueze AA (2005) Compositional characteristics and industrial assessment of sedimentary clay bodies in parts of eastern Dahomey Basin, southwestern, Nigeria. J Mining Geo 41(2):175–184

    Google Scholar 

  • Nton ME, Okunade A (2013) Aspects of hydrocarbon potential and clay mineralogy of the Patti Formation, Southern Bida Basin, central Nigeria. Nigerian Assoc Pet Explor Bull 25(1):15–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Nwajide CS (2013) Geology of Nigeria’s sedimentary basins. CSS Bookshop Limited, Lagos

    Google Scholar 

  • Obaje NG (2009) Geology and mineral resources of Nigeria (Lecture notes in Earth Sciences Series 120). Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag

  • Obaje NG, Wehner H, Scheeder G, Abubakar MB, Jauro A (2004) Hydrocarbon prospectivity of Nigerian inland basins: from the viewpoint of organic geochemistry and organic petrology. Am Assoc Pet Geol Bull 88:325–353

    Google Scholar 

  • Obaje NG, Aweda AK, Umar UM, Ozoji TM (2019) The Bida Basin of Central Nigeria: a review of available data on the geology, stratigraphy, geochemistry and aeromagnetic geophysics. Cretaceous Basins in Nigeria Workshop, Abuja, pp 61–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojo OJ (2012) Depositional environments and petrographic characteristics of Bida Formation around Share-Pategi, Northern Bida Basin, Nigeria. J Geogr Geol 4:224–241

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojo SB, Ajakaiye DE (1989) Preliminary interpretation of gravity measurements in the Middle Niger Basin area, Nigeria. In: Kogbe CA (ed) Geology of Nigeria, 2nd Revised. Abiprint and Pak Printer, Ibadan, pp 347–358

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojo OJ, Akande SO (2003) Facies relationships and depositional environments of the Upper Cretaceous Lokoja Formation in the Bida Basin, Nigeria. J Mining Geol 39(1):39–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojo OJ, Akande SO (2009) Sedimentology and depositional environments of the Maastrichtian Patti Formation, southeastern Bida Basin. Cretac Res 30:1415–1425

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ojo OJ, Akande SO (2012) Sedimentary facies relationships and depositional environments of the Maastrichtian Enagi Formation, Northern Bida Basin, Nigeria. J Geogr Geo 4:136–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojo OJ, Akande SO (2013) Petrographic facies, provenance and paleoenvironments of the Lokoja Formation, Southern Bida Basin, Nigeria. J Mining Geol 49(2):93–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Ojo OJ, Akande SO, Adepoju SA, Bamidele TE, Awe A (2019) Geochemical, palynological and sedimentological characterization of sediments from Bida Basin: implications for stratigraphy, depositional environments and palegeography. Cretaceous Basins in Nigeria Workshop, Abuja, pp 65–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Okogbue CO, Ene GE (2008) Geochemical and geotechnical characteristics and the potential for use in drilling mud, of some clay bodies in southeastern Nigeria. J Mining Geol 44(2):121–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Olaniyan O, Olobaniyi SB (1996) Facies analysis of the Bida Sandstone Formation around Kajita, Nupe Basin, Nigeria. J Afri Earth Sci 23:253–256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olawoki OA (2019) Exploration reservoir facies of Bida Basin: field examples and application to Chad Basin studies. Cretaceous Basins in Nigeria Workshop, Abuja, pp 69–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Olawoki OA, Coker SJL, Rahaman MA, Fadiya SL, Bale RBA (2018) Bida Basin of Nigeria: recent geological insights and petroleum system understanding. Oil Gas J 4:22–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Olugbemiro R, Nwajide CS (1997) Grain size distribution and particle morphogenesis as signatures of depositional environments of Cretaceous (non-ferruginous) facies in the Bida Basin, Nigeria. J Mining Geol 33(2):89–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Omada JI, Adeoye FA, Ikpokonte AE (2007) Preliminary appraisal of compositional and industrial properties of clay deposits in Udubo area, northeastern Nigeria. J Mining Geol 43(2):117–124

    Google Scholar 

  • Oyebanjo OM, Ekosse GE, Odiyo JO (2018) Mineral constituents and kaolinite crystallinity of the < 2μm fraction of Cretaceous-Paleogene/Neogene kaolins from eastern Dahomey and Niger Delta Basins, Nigeria. Open Geosci 10:157–166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pinheiro PC, Fabris JD, Mussel WN, Murad E, Scorzelli RB, Garg VK (2005) Beneficiation of a commercial kaolin from Mar Espanha, Minas Gervais, Brazil: Chemistry and Mineralogy. J South Amer Earth Sci 20:267–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prasad MS, Reid KJ, Murray HH (1991) Kaolin: processing, properties and applications. Appl Clay Sci 6(2):87–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahaman MAO, Fadiya SL, Adekola SA, Coker SJ, Bale RB, Olawoki OA et al (2019) A revised stratigrapghy of the Bida Basin, Nigeria. J Afri Earth Sci 151:67–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reeves GM, Sims I, Cripps JC (2006) Clay materials used in construction. Geological Society London Engineering Geology Special Publication, p 21

    Google Scholar 

  • Schroeder PA, Erickson G (2014) Kaolin: from ancient porcelains to nanocomposites. Element 10(3):177–182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sei J, Marato F, Kra G, Staunton S, Quiquampoix H, Jumas JC et al (2006) Mineralogical, crystallographic and morphological characteristics of natural kaolins from the Ivory Coast (West Africa). J Afr Earth Sci 46:245–252

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shemang EM, Suh CE, Ekosse GE, Coetzee SH (2007) Crystal morphology and indicative microchemistry of kaolinite from kaolin occurrences in Alkaleri region, northeastern Nigeria. GeoActa 6:15–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Shepard FP (1954) Nomenclature based on san-silt-clay ratios. J Sediment Petrol 24:151–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siddiqui MA, Ahmed Z, Saleemi AA (2005) Evaluation of Swat kaolin deposits of Pakistan for industrial uses. Appl Clay Sci 29:55–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Udensi EE, Osasuwa IB (2004) Spectra determination of depth to magnetic rocks under the Nupe Basin, Nigeria. Niger Assoc Pet Explor Bull 17:22–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Whiteman A (1982) Nigeria: its petroleum geology, resources and potentials. Graham and Trotman, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Williams LB, Hillier S (2014) Kaolins and health: from first grade to first aid. Element 10(3):207–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeballos A, Weihed P, Blanco M, Machaca V (2016) Geological, mineralogical and chemical characterization of Devonian Kaolinite-bearing sediments for further applications in the ceramic (tiles) industry in La Paz, Bolivia. Environ Earth Sci 75:546

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Olugbenga Fajemila, Olajide Adamolekun, Mikail Olusegun Yusuf, and Abraham Remilekun Adeniyi for analytical and technical support, while the analytical assistance of the technical staff members of the Engineering Geology Laboratory, Department of Applied Geology, The Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria, is gratefully acknowledged. The editorial review of the editor-in-chief and two anonymous reviewers are deeply appreciated.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

    Olawale Kayode Aromolaran & Abdulrauf Bukola Adebayo

Authors
  1. Olawale Kayode Aromolaran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Abdulrauf Bukola Adebayo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Olawale Kayode Aromolaran and Abdulrauf Bukola Adebayo carried out the research work and analyzed the data for this work. Olawale Kayode Aromolaran drafted the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Olawale Kayode Aromolaran.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval

Not applicable.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare they do not have any conflict of interest.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Domenico M. Doronzo.

Highlights

1. Kaolinitic claystones in Share area occur as lenses and interbeds within the Bida Sandstone Formation.

2. Compositional and physical data show the clays predominantly consist of kaolin minerals that are chemically pure with suitable physical characteristics.

3. Share kaolinitic claystones have exploitable potentials in refractory, paper, paint, fertilizer, petrochemical, and cement industries.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Aromolaran, O.K., Adebayo, A.B. Mineralogical, geochemical, and industrial appraisal of kaolinitic claystones in Share area, northcentral Nigeria. Arab J Geosci 15, 789 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-09825-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-09825-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation