The Geochemistry of Carbonate Rocks in Igwe Igarra, Southwestern Nigeria

Nigeria has an abundance of valuable solid minerals and rocks which can generate revenue for the government if they are fully exploited. Carbonate rock is one such that occur prominently in Igwe Igarra area Edo State. Five (5) carbonate samples (Four marble One Calcsilicate) were subjected to geochemical analyses. A petrographic study reveals calcsilicate contain calcite, quartz, microcline, plagioclase, biotite opaque minerals. Geochemical data shows have variable characteristics: highly Calcitic (96% - 98%) very low dolomite Mg(CO3). Calcsilicate CaO (27.5%) higher marble. The pure contains fewer impurities compared makes it unideal usage. Based on these characteristics from suitable as raw materials productions glass, papers, beet sugar, aggregates, lubricants fillers.