The Geology and Mineralogy of Clay Occurrences Around Kutigi Central Bida Basin, Nigeria.

Abstract

This paper reports the geology and mineralogy of the clay occurrences around Kutigi. The methodology of research includes detailed mapping of the area, collection of clay samples and laboratory analysis using X- ray diffraction. Field results show that clays in Kutigi are deposited as alluvial deposit from braided and meandering streams and occur in two locations A and B. The deposits are of varying thicknesses and are capped by thin lateritic soil. The clay varies from white to dirty- white in colour as a result of the decolouration from the laterite overburden. The gritty feel of the clay from hand specimen is attributed to the clay-sand admixture, an indication of proximal overbank environment. The results from X-ray diffractogram show that the clay mineral is predominantly kaolinitic with a percentage abundance of about 43.64%. The high dominance of quartz with a percentage abundance of about 54.55% further confirms the grittiness of the clay. Illite constitutes about 1.18% and occurs in traces amongst other minerals. The above results and an earlier geochemical analysis suggest that it can be utilized in the manufacture of ceramics, refractory bricks, paper, paint and fertilizer.