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, Al2O3, and Na2O present.