Contribution to the Study of Useful Natural Materials from Niger: Physicochemical Characterization of Natural Nigerien Clay

Abstract

This paper concerned the physicochemical characterization of a natural Nigerien clay from the Goulbi valley, Djirataoua, department of Madarounfa, Maradi province, Niger republic. Sample clay was characterized using X-rays diffraction spectrometry, infrared spectrometry, laser granulometry, and atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained showed that Djirataoua clay is acidic (pH = 5.5) with a low percentage of humidity (3.298%) and a small swelling index (2.141%). This clay contains mainly of quartz (67.67%) and relatively small fractions of other probable minerals.