GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF GYPSUM FROM NAFADA AND

ENVIRONS NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Tabale, R.P.

Geology Department

Gombe State University, Tudun-Wada Gombe, Nigeria.

E-mail: tabalepeter@yahoo.com

Abstract: This research is aimed at determining the geochemistry and purity of gypsum within the Senonian Fika shale Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Arm in Nafada and environs for its industrial suitability. Seventeen (17) fresh samples from different localities were collected and analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) equipment for their oxides: SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, MgO, SO₃, K₂O and Na₂O. The results revealed that gypsum in the study area has high percentage purity of 87.9 – 95.6%. Comparing this result with the British Industrial Standard (BIS) it indicates a high grade gypsum forms that is suitability for different industrial usage (Agriculture, Medical, Pottery and Ceramic, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Paints, Building, Construction etc).