Geochemical analysis of the Jakura-Obajana Marble, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria: Implication for Industrial Uses

Abstract

Geochemical analysis of the Jakura-Obajana marble deposit in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria was investigated. The paper seeks to put into perspective the diverse uses of marble which hinges on its geochemical characterization. Besides the popular use of marble for cement production, the research tends to elucidate other uses of marble predicted on predefined specifications. This will trigger optimal benefit of the Jakura-Obajana marble deposit. To achieve this, fieldwork was carried out to map the rock units underlying the area. Representative marble samples were randomly collected for laboratory analysis using XRF at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Kaduna. The result of the field work reveals that the Jakura-Obajana marble was found occurred with limestone, quartzite and schist. It was also found that marble are the most dominant rock types in the study area. The colour varies from white to grey and the grain sizes range from fine to medium. The geochemical result reveals that CaO and MgO have the average content of 32.37 wt% and 19.57 wt% respectively. The average content of the oxides is 99.43 wt% and the average loss of ignition (LOI) is 43.01 wt%. The average CaCO3 and MgCO3 content of the Jakura-Obajana marble are 58.33 wt% and 41.08 wt% respectively. The percentages indicate that CaCO3 higher than MgCO3. This implies that, the Jakura marble is calcitic in origin. The total carbonate content in the marble is 99.41 %. This makes it suitable for fertilizer production, cement production, and in the production of useful industrial chemical such as sodium carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxide. It is concluded that the investigated marble deposits have other potential areas of application in addition to usage for cement production, except for animal feeds production and usage as fluxes in steel production.