Compositional Characterisation and Industrial Suitability Assessment of Talc Ore from Ingawa, Katsina State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Ibrahim Salisu Chemistry Unit, Federal University of Transportation Daura, P.M.B 1050, Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria Author
  • Aminu Musa Department of Chemistry, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, P.M.B 2218, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria Author
  • Maryam Saddiq Department of Chemistry, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, P.M.B 2218, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria Author
  • Abdulhamid Murtala Department of Chemistry, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, P.M.B 2218, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria Author
  • Hajara Bawa Wada Department of Chemistry, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, P.M.B 2218, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria Author
  • Abdullahi Salmanu Nasir Chemistry Unit, Federal University of Transportation Daura, P.M.B 1050, Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2544.025

Keywords:

Ore, composition, characterization, potential, utilization

Abstract

This study explores the unique characteristics of talc ore sourced from the Ingawa Local Government Area in Katsina State, with a focus on its potential for diverse industrial applications.  Representative samples were analysed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine elemental composition, mineralogical phases, and structural bonding.  XRD analysis confirmed that the ore is a heterogeneous assemblage dominated by Talc (triclinic), with significant amounts of quartz and kaolinite.  XRF analysis quantified the chemical composition, revealing deviations from stoichiometric purity, with high silica (SiO2, 37.23%) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3, 26.41%) content.  Magnesium oxide (MgO) concentration was found to be (0.91%), which is lower than the theoretical standard for pure Talc of 31.8%.  Iron oxide Fe2O3 was present at 10.99%, correlating with the observed light-to-dark brown coloration of the samples.  A comparative assessment against industrial specifications indicates that the Ingawa deposit is low-to-medium grade.  While the high quartz and iron content currently restricts its use in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, the raw ore is technically feasible for use as a structural filler in the rubber and plastics industries.  Advanced beneficiation, specifically to reduce abrasive silica and chromophoric iron oxides, is recommended to upgrade the ore for high-value applications.

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Published

2025-12-30

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2025)

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ibrahim Salisu, Aminu Musa, Maryam Saddiq, Abdulhamid Murtala, Hajara Bawa Wada, Abdullahi Salmanu Nasir (Author)

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How to Cite

Salisu, I., Musa, A., Saddiq, M., Murtala, A., Wada, H. B., & Nasir, A. S. (2025). Compositional Characterisation and Industrial Suitability Assessment of Talc Ore from Ingawa, Katsina State, Nigeria. UMYU Scientifica, 4(4), 287-294. https://doi.org/10.56919/usci.2544.025

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