The geochemistry of gypsum occurrences in Nafada area, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This present work attempts to study the geochemistry of gypsum deposits in the
Cretaceous Fika shale of Nafada and environs. This is done in order to evaluate the quality
of the gypsum deposit, determine their different forms and occurrences, as well as their
suitability for various industrial applications. Geochemical results of 20 samples were
obtained in the laboratory of Ashaka Cement Plc. The major and the minor oxides of the
samples were known, also a petrographic analysis of the samples was carried out in the
laboratory of the geology department of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi to
know the different characteristics of the different gypsum forms. This study can give an
easy approach to different industrial applications of gypsum based on the geochemistry
obtained and their characteristics. The gypsum in the study area has an average purity
of 91.775 (wt%). A comparison was made between the gypsum in the study area and
other foreign and local gypsum of pure quality. The results conform to the specifications of
the British Industrial Standard and the Raw Material Research Development Council. The
results of this work show that different gypsums in the study area have a different qual-
ity that can suit in for different industrial purposes, such as agriculture, pharmaceutical,
ceramic, cement, and plaster.