EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A CLAY MINERAL DEPOSIT IN OMIALAFARA IN IFON OSE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN ONDO STATE , NIGERIA

The physico-chemical and mineralogical properties of a clay mineral deposit in Omialafara in Ifon Ose Local Government Area in Ondo State, Nigeria was evaluated using standard methods. The results of the study revealed that the deposit consisted of phyllosilicate minerals- lizardite aluminian, clinochlore feroanB, sepiolite ferrian , neotocite; others were quartz, goethite and evenkite a very rare hydrocarbon mineral. The clay minerals exhibited good swelling property, medium plasticity, shrinkage in excess of recommended range, good thermal resistance and the apparent porosity was within the recommended limit. It had refractoriness below 1200oC. The properties of the clay mineral deposit was a reflection of the combined characteristics of both the clay and non-mineral composition which recommends it for a variety of applications subject to a limiting working temperature of 1200oC. The coloured nature of the clay mineral deposit was accounted for by a combination of the presence of the coloured clay minerals and goethite.