Abstract

Analysis of some clay samples presumed to be kaolin obtained from different deposits in Yauri (kebbi state), Goronyo, Munwadata, Atokonyo (Sokoto state), Nigeria was carried out. The samples were subjected to quantitative analysis to determine major and trace constituents using gravimetric, colorimetric, titrimetric and spectroscopic methods of analysis. Results of the analysis revealed that two of the clay samples i.e Yauri and Goronyo were found to contained reasonable percentages of major and trace constituents of high-grade kaolin. The percentages were in the ranges: SiO2(45.00-45.50%); Al2O3(37.00-37.20%); Fe2O3(0.29-0.30%); CaO (0.17-0.18%0); Na2O(0.96-0.97%); K2O (0.50-0.60%); MgO (0.95-0.99%); TiO2(0.36-0.37%); P2O5(0.22-0.33%). Loss on ignition (16.01-17.01%) and density range (2.54-2.55g/cm3). The two kaolin are of certain purity and can be used for industrial purposes. However, the result indicates that the remaining two samples does not agree with the standard specifications for high quality kaolin and as such are not found to be kaolin. Atokonyo has shown complete absence of one of the major constituents of kaolin i.e Al2O3.

Key words: Kaolin, Yauri, Goronyo, Munwatada, Atokonyo, Industries.