Compositional Characteristics And Industrial Potential Of The Lateritic Clay Deposit In Ara-Ijero Ekiti Areas Southwestern Nigeria.

Abstract Compositional features and industrial application of the residual clay deposit overlying the Precambrian basement complex in Ara-Ijero Ekiti Southwestern Nigeria was investigated and it is hereby reported. Granulometric analysis indicates that the mean clay fraction in the deposit is 42.3 the silt 14.0 and sand fraction 42.2. The mean liquid limit plastic limit and the plasticity index are 47.8 26.4 and 21.5 respectively. Mineralogical analysis using X-ray diffraction method indicates the dominance of kaolinite with illite occuring in subordinate amount while the non-clay impurity is mainly quartz. Assessment of the industrial potentials of the clay based on physical properties consistency limits and plots of plasticity indices against liquid limits indicate that the clay is inorganic and plastic. It has a mean firing shrinkage value of 9.08 water absorption capacity 6.1 specific gravity 2.78 unconfined compressive strength of 3.87KNm2 and pH value of 5.8. Analytical result on twenty representative samples using Fussion method FUS-XRF from Activations laboratory indicates mean SiO2 48.50 Al2O3 28.82 and Fe2O3 9.84 while other oxides MnO MgO CaO Na2O and K2O altogether constitute less than 5 of the bulk composition. The chemical compositions of the clay compares well with other notable clay deposits in Southwestern Nigeria. The geochemistry thermal characteristics and water absorption capacities are within the ranges recommended for some industrial specifications. With appropriate treatment the clay could serve as raw material for the manufacture of quality bricks pottery ceramics and structural wares.