ABSTRACT

In this work, the characterization of Ibillo feldspar deposit in Akoko Edo of Southern Nigeria was carried out with the view of finding the Industrial uses. The Chemical Analysis, Mineralogical Analysis, and the Loss on Ignition (LOI) were carried out using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and the X-ray diffractometry (XRD).

The results of the XRF analysis carried-out from Ibillo samples indicates 10 major oxides. Samples from Ibillo showed that the major component is silica (SiO₂) with 72.45 wt%, and alumina (Al₂O₃) content of 15.81 wt%. There is also a significant amount of K₂O with 7.0 wt% composition indicating that there is an abundance of feldspar. The chemical analysis shows the feldspar deposit is a potash feldspar with a mean average value of 7.0 wt. % K₂O. From the various analyses it is concluded that the Ibillo feldspar is suitable for the production of glass and ceramic bodies but however more detailed studies on Feldspar samples from other geological areas should be carried for reference purposes, using more sophisticated instrument for better result and also more emphasis should be laid on the importance of feldspar, in other to draw the attention of researchers.