Mineralogical, Geochemical and Geotechnical Characteristics of the Maastrichtian clay Member of the Lafia Formation in Doma and Shabu areas, Middle Benue Trough

The Maastrichtian clay member of the non-fossiliferous Lafia Formation as exposed in Doma and Shabu was investigated to assess its physical and compositional characteristics with a view to establishing its potential use as industrial raw material. The mineralogical determination by X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the clays show prominent peaks of kaolinite as the major clay mineral with diffused mixed layer of illite-smectite-chlorite and mica. Chemical analysis by X-ray Fluorescence reveals a dominance of SiO (54.14 – 58.02), Al O (20.14 – 23.68), Fe O (13.07 – 2 2 3 2 3 + 9.23), TiO2 (1.65 – 2.67) and H O (4.23 – 11.05), while CaO, MgO, K O, Na O, MnO and P O contribute less than 2 2 2 2 5 1% of the total elemental composition. The clays exhibit liquid limits in the range of 41-58%, plasticity index (22 - 36%), linear shrinkage (5.2 - 6.4%), Water Absorption Capacity (6.0 - 7.2%) and Loss on ignition (9.2 - 10.18%). The physical, mineralogical and chemical compositions in comparison with international specifications suggest that these clay deposits could be exploited for paints, cement, refractory ceramics and bricks production.