CHARACTERIZATION OF CLAYS IN THE ZINDER REGION BY X-RAY DIFFRACTION AND X-RAY FLUORESCENCE METHODS

In order to characterizeclays of the Zinder region, 20 samples were taken from the quarries of Magaria, Mirriah, Guidimouni and Kolleram and four composite samples were made and representative of the quarries. These samples were subjected to chemical and mineralogical analyzes. Chemical analysis shows that the materials from these four quarries are aluminosilicates, but in varying proportions. The samplesfrom the Magaria and Kolleramquarries, contain proportions of carbonwhichinducethem a blackishcolor and alkaline and alkaline-earthelements (CaO, K2O, MgO. The samplesfromMirriah and Guidimouni,are veryrich in ironoxide (Fe2O3) whichinduces a reddishcolor. The main mineralogical phases detected by X-ray diffraction in the rawsamples and fine fractions from the four quarrieswere kaolinite, a mica structure close to illite and quartz.Thesequarriesthenconstitutekaolinicdeposits, primary and secondary. Those of Magaria and Kolleram are secondary and less favorable to formulations of ceramicproducts and those of Mirriah and Guidimouni are primary and very favorable to formulations of ceramicproductssuch as potteryfromMirriah.