Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the geochemical and mineralogical composition of Biu Basalt Deposit of northeastern Nigeria. Detailed geological mapping of an area of 110 km2 around Biu Dam site area have been mapped on a scale of 1:50, 000. Mapping revealed that the area is underlain by Basaltic rocks of Tertiary age. These are grouped into three types: Massive, slightly vesicular and vesicular basalt. Samples were collected at different locations representing the three types for petrographic and geochemical analysis. Petrographic study of ten rocks samples shows that the samples are essentially composed of Olivine, Augite, Plagioclase lath, Iron oxide and Calcite. Samples were analyzed geochemically using XRF method to determine some major oxides which include SiO₂, Al₂O₃, K₂O, Fe₂O₃ and CaO. The silica content in the rock samples has average values of 37.94% which is slightly lower than the standard value of 50%. Aluminium content has an average value of 11.16 which is less than the average value of 15%. CaO have an average value of 13.98% which is slightly above the standard value of 8.5%. Fe₂O₃ content has an average value of 12.59% is greater than the standard value 6%. K2O has an average value of 1.14 which is greater than the standard value of 0.55%. These suggest that the basaltic rocks belong to the tholeiitic basalt.

Keywords:

Basaltic rock, Biu dam site, geologic mapping, NE Nigeria, petrographic, XRF,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.