A PRELIMINARY CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE KUBA KAOLIN DEPOSIT, JOS PLATEAU (NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERA).

A preliminary investigation of the kuba kaolin located within the southern part of the Rop Complex was carried out to determine its physical and chemical characteristics, origin and and possible industrial applications. Chemically, the Kaolin has low Fe203 wt.%, Na20 wt.%,K20 wt.%,S042- wt.% ,HC032- wt.% and high Si02 wt.% contents. The particle size analysis indicates low impurity and a very high proportion of clay-sized materials. The plasticity index ranges from 10.6% to 12.6% which falls within the characteristic plasticity range for Kaolin(10-60%) and therefore falls into the class of plastic Kaolinites. They also have low drying and firing shrinkages while the loss on ignition is between 2-13% which falls within the theoretical value of 13.9% accepted for pure Kaolinites. The results obtained suggest that the kuba Kaolin is residual and is from a granitic parent. It will be suitable for use in the production of paper, paints and ceramics. Improvement in the processing of Si02 can make it possible for the clays to be used in the manufacture of cement and fertilizers