Geology and Geochemistry of the Chromiferous Mineralization in the External Zone of the Pan-African Dahomeyides Belt, Northwestern Benin (Gulf of Guinea, West Africa)

Luc Adissin Glodji,Adiss Kamal Issifou Fatiou,Renaud Saïzonou,Soulémana Yessoufou,Basile Adjo Kanon,Fatchéssin Bruno Adjo

doi:10.4236/ijg.2019.1012061

Luc Adissin Glodji, Adiss Kamal Issifou Fatiou + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.4236/ijg.2019.1012061

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Abstract

Occurrences of chromium mineral exist in Bénin within the external nappes of the Pan-African Dahomeyides belt. These chromite deposits are podiform types and hosted in the serpentinite. Blackish color, the chromite appears under microscope in transmitted light, as cracked phenocrystals with tangles of the serpentinite venules. Chemical analyses using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer showed the chromite ore consists of about 38% Cr2O3 and total (Cr2O3 + Al2O3) is 60%. This chromiferous mineralisation resulted from the magmatic cumulates formation by fractional crystallization of an ultramafic magma.

Highlights

Open AccessChromite is a common mineral in ultramafic rocks especially in layered intrusions and in ophiolites
The purpose of this paper is to present the work carried out as part of the improvement of the knowledge on the chromiferous metallogenesis and potential in the Pan-African Dahomeyides belt
The podiform chromites are associated with ophiolitic complexes or peridotitic massifs and exposed a lenticular to irregular shape, often extended and ranged along the tectonites structure [10]. They are more abundant in the tectonized part at the ophiolitic sequence base, in the mantle peridotites, and present in the dunitic cumulates of the basal sequence [10]. Such podiform chromite deposits are known in the Nuggihalli Schist Belt (Dharwar Craton), Southern India [11] [12] in Rutland Island ophiolites, part of the Burma-Andaman-Java subduction complex within Bengal Bay [4]

Summary

Introduction

Chromite is a common mineral in ultramafic rocks especially in layered intrusions and in ophiolites. It occurs as an accessory mineral in detrital rocks [1]. Chemical formula (Fe, Mg, Al) Cr2O4 is the most important source of chromium This chemical element is one of the most important metals for human beings due to its use in industrial sectors (e.g. metallurgy, steel, aerospace, and telecommunication). It is used for manufacturing of refractory materials and chemicals (such as paints, inks, plastics and medical prostheses).

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