Investigation into factors controlling the potential for dimension stone production of selected granites in south west Nigeria

South west Niaeria falls in the basement complex of Nigeria with abundant granites of different colours. Despite this, little exploitation has been undertaken. The investigation into factors controlling the potential of selected granites in south west Nigeria for dimension stone production is carried out to determine their suitability for different dimension stone applications. Among the factors investigated are aesthetic features, mechanical features and fracture network characterization. Some selected granites in Cornwall were also investigated to serve as control tests. From colour characterization using both conventional methods and a new colour characterization method using colour spectrum, Awo, Ewu, Supare, Ikere and Ikole granites were classified as Black, Green, Ivory White, Gold and Grey granites respectively and identified as 'first class/grade' colour (one colour), while Oore is classified as Pink granite and a 'second class/grade' colour (multicolour). From Cornwall, Carnsew and Holman's granites can both be described as grey colour and 'first class' colour (one colour). Variable texture was evident for the granites studied. For example, the texture exhibited by Awo, Ikole and Ikere granites Is equi-granular while Oore, Supare, Ewu, Carnsew and Holman's are porphyritic. The mineralogical analyses of selected granites in SW Nigeria using both transmitted light and a SEM identified, in addition to major composition of granites, amphibole as a trace mineral in Awo, Ewu and Oore granite with pyrite only in Awo granite.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo