Chemical Analysis of Some Limestone Samples from the Middle Belt Zone, Nigeria and Their Possible Industrial Applications

Abstract

Chemical analysis of fifteen (15) limestone samples, 13 of which were locally sourced, was carried out using gravimetric as well as flame emission and uv- visible spectroscopic methods. The range of parameters determined in percentages were as follows; loss on drying (0.10 – 1.68), loss on ignition (40.97 – 47.24), insoluble matter (1.43 -2.73), SiO₂ (0.94 – 2.51), Fe₂O₃ (0.178 – 0.622), MnO₂ (0.00 – 0.34), Al₂O₃ (0.00 – 0.188), TiO₂ (0.00– 0.12), K₂O (0.049 – 0.270), Li₂O (0.047 – 0.159), Na₂O (0.012 – 0.296), CaCO₃ (82.24 – 96.68), CaO (46.08 – 54.85), MgO (0.44 – 10.92), CO₃^2- (59.62 – 62.18) and CO2 (43.72 – 45.61) . From the Pearson correlations, some of the locally sourced samples could serve  as possible replacements for reference samples A and B used in pigment/ink production. The results also indicated that most of the limestone samples were found to meet some industrial raw material specifications used in the cement, agriculture (liming of soil and fish ponds), ceramics, glass, silica bricks, pharmaceutical, coal dust fire dampener, paint, poultry and metallurgical purification processes in the steel industry and some other filler applications.

Keywords: Industrial, Ink, Limestone, Local Source, Spectroscopy.