COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF LIMESTONE RESOURCES OF GUYUK AND ASHAKA AREAS FOR INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION
*1Samuel T. Magili ;2Maina.H.M and 3Matera,O.N.
1Departement of Chemistry, Adamawa State University Mubi, Nigeria
2Departmrent of Chemistry Federal University of Technology Yola, Adamawa state, Nigeria
E-mail: smagilli@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Limestone samples from Guyuk and Ashaka areas were investigated for their suitability for cement production and other industrial purposes using X-Ray fluorescence spectrophotometer (XRF). The chemical compositions’ of the deposits from Guyuk and Ashaka areas were determined and compared. Twenty four limestone samples were collected from different localities of these areas for chemical analysis. Results of these areas were compared to each other for their industrial utilization. The chemical composition of limestone deposits of these two areas indicate that the deposits could be used for production of cement, refining of sugar, animal feeds, paper, ceramic and chemical industries. The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content was found to be in the range of 76.64-89.12, 77.76-89.98%, lime (CaO) 42.94-49.94, 42.80-50.40% and average percentage composition of SiO2 ,9.55,11.07%, Al2 03, 2.96, 2.09%, Fe2 03, 3.37, 2.27%, Mg0, 0.59, 0.70%, SO3, 0.09, 0.29%, K20, 0.25, 0.34%, Na20, 0.06, 0.18%, mgCO3, 1.23, 1.83%, Total carbonate, 83.46, 84.19 and L.0.1 37.49, 37.47% in Guyuk and Ashaka Areas respectively. Sample preparation for this analysis has been performed by grinding and pelletizing or fusion with stearic acid. The chemical analysis was carried out by X-Ray florescence spectrometer (XRF) at Ashaka cement industry PLC. Gombe State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Limestone, Cement, x-ray Fluorescence Spectrophotometer, Sedimentary rock.