Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Industrial Appraisal of Kaolin from Abeokuta Area, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Kaolin is commonly used in many industries. This study was carried out to characterise selected kaolin deposits in the Abeokuta area of southwestern Nigeria and evaluate possible industrial applications. The mineralogy and geochemical composition were determined and used to evaluate the industrial application. Mineralogically, the samples are composed of kaolinite, quartz, mica, anatase, and minor hematite, k-feldspar, calcite, plagioclase and clino-pyroxene. The clays are mostly composed of hexagonal euhedral to subhedral plates of disordered kaolin. Geochemical characterisation revealed high SiO2 values, high SiO2/Al2O3 and Al2O3/TiO2 values which denotes high quartz concentration and sourcing from felsic igneous source respectively. Discriminant plots also revealed the kaolin are of intermediate to felsic ancestry while Ni/Co values revealed they were formed in anoxic environment. Comparison of the elemental concentration of industrial standards revealed the kaolin will be best suited for ceramics and refractory purposes though some of the clays may need upgrading by removal of excess Fe2O3 and TiO2 as well as addition of fluxing materials to improve its suitability for certain applications.