Characterization of Feldspars Associated with Pegmatite of Dagbala Area for Ceramics and Glass Production in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The pegmatite in the Dagbala area, southwestern Nigeria occurs as a dyke trending in a NW-SE direction which intrudes the Hornblende-Biotite-Granite. Geochemical, petrological, and mineralogical analyses were carried out on four (4) pegmatite samples obtained from the study area to determine the feldspar quality and the results were compared with commercial ceramic and glass grade to determine its suitability in ceramics and glass production. From the results, SiO₂ ranges from 74.97% to 72.06%, Al₂O₃ ranges from 15.16% to 15.05%, Fe₂O₃ ranges from 0.45% to 0.31%, Na₂O ranges from 5.56% to 2.76%, K₂O ranges from 8.42% to 3.53% and CaO ranges from 0.72% to 0.09% respectively. After comparing the results with the commercial ceramic grade and glass grade, it shows that they can be used as raw materials in the ceramic and glass industry. However, minor pre-treatment processes are required, such as magnetic separation, to reduce the Fe₂O₃ content and froth floatation to reduce the K₂O content in ceramic production. In glass production, magnetic separation should also be carried out to reduce the Fe₂O₃ content and froth floatation should be carried out to reduce the K₂O content. Additives should be added to increase the amount of CaO, Al₂O_3, and Na₂O present.