Mineralogical, Geochemical, Physical And Industrial Potentials Of Shale From Okada Area, Southwestern, Nigeria

Abstract

Mineralogical, geochemical and physical characteristics of the shale from Okada, Southwestern Nigeria were evaluated to determine its industrial potentials.
The x-ray analysis of the Okada shale shows prominent quartz, kaolinite and mixed layer peaks. The result of the chemical analysis shows the predominance of SiO₂ (55.71% to 55.84%) and Al₂O₃(20.58% to 20.70%) and silica/alumina ratio of 2.71. This clearly defines the shale as alumino-silicates. The other significant chemical impurities in the Okada clay-shale are Fe2O3 (0.70%), TiO2 (1.15%) and Na₂O (2.0%). Mineralogical and chemical compositions of the shale in Okada suggest that the deposit could be exploited for ceramic, pottery and refractory industries. A small amount of montmorillonite in the clay results in high plasticity (74% – 85%) and shrinkage limit (8.30 – 8.70%) as well as low vitrification. The shale is also characterized by high loss on ignition (16.8%).


Keywords: mineralogy, chemical, physical, industrial potential, shale

Journal of Mining and Geology Vol. 43 (2) 2007: pp. 109-116