Msidi Project
Msidi Project
ZAYAM
BY
OCTOBER, 2023
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DECLARATION
This is to certify that this project work was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of
Geological Technology, Abubakar Tatari Ali polytechnic Bauchi under the supervision of
Engr. Muhammed Sa’eed Saleh. The report is an original work carried out by me and has not
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APPROVAL PAGE
This project has been read and approved by Engr. Muhammed Sa’eed Saleh on behalf of the
Department of Geological Technology as meeting the requirement for the award of National
Diploma in Geological Technology, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.
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DEDICATION
I dedicated this work to the entire staff and student of Geological Technology ATAPOLY
Bauchi, I also dedicate it to my lovely Parent Alhaji Muhammed and Hajiya Aishat, I really
appreciate their effort of helping me toward my career, whose her maximum advice, love,
care and financial assistance have made me to where I am today, I pray that the Almighty
Allah will continued to keep and guide them for me. Ameen.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All praise to Allah, the beneficent, the merciful, and the cherisher of the universe. I thank him
for the thought I am induced with, the charisma, the courage, the wisdom, the enthusiasm that
warrant my success, of which this project is among.
My appreciation to my supervisor Engr. Muhammad Sa’eed Saleh for his assistance, advice
and for his effort by guiding us to the field.
Most sincere appreciation to my parent Alhaji. Muhammed and Hajiya Aishat Suleiman for
their prayers, support, care and financial assistance. In fact, everything they have been doing
for me.
I also appreciate my dear brothers and sisters. Especially Engr. Hussein Sidi and. my dear
friends and colleague at home and in school, I sincerely acknowledged your prayer and care
all this while, especially my brothers from another mother Otaiki Hamisu, Abdulkerim Dauda
and my other good friends.
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ABSTRACT
This research project focused on the petrology and petrographic analysis of rocks in the
Rimin Zayam region. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
mineralogical of these rocks, shedding light on their origin, geological history, and potential
uses. Fieldwork was conducted to collect rock samples, which were subsequently analyzed
through various petrographic techniques, including thin-section microscopy and mineral
identification. Preliminary findings suggest a diverse range of rock types, indicating a
complex geological history for the area. . The thin section of each sample are viewed in two
modes the first with the Analyzer out to produce or give the plane polarized light. This study
presents a comprehensive petrology and petrographic analysis of four distinct geological
samples, designated as A, B, C, and D. Results showed distinct mineral compositions in the
samples, with Sample A displaying a diverse range of minerals, including quartz, biotite, and
muscovite, while Sample B predominantly consisted of quartz and plagioclase. Sample C
exhibited a balanced composition with quartz, biotite, alkaline feldspar, plagioclase, and
muscovite, and Sample D showed a significant presence of quartz, alkaline feldspar, and
plagioclase. Statistical calculations normalized the mineral content, with quartz content
ranging from 42% to 46%, emphasizing sample heterogeneity. The Mineral that were
discovered in the QAP graph for the sample A, B, C, and D is monzo granite, monzo diorite,
syeno granite and quartz monzonite respectively .The techniques employed in this research
contribute to geological exploration and resource management, with recommendations for
further research, expanded geological efforts, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the
Rimin Zayam region. This study serves as a foundation for comprehensive geological
investigations and sustainable resource management.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Title Page - - - - - - - - - - i
Approval Page - - - - - - - - - ii
Declaration - - - - - - - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - - - - - - - iv
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - v
Abstract - - - - - - - - - - vi
Table of Content - - - - - - - - - vii-viii
List of Table - - - - - - - - - - ix
List of Plate - - - - - - - - - - x
List of figure - - - - - - - - - - xi
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - - - 1
1.1 Background of the Study - - - - - - - - 2
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - - - 2
LIST OF TABLE
Table: 1 showing equipment and availability - - - - - - 11
Table 2: Microscopic study of sample A under PPL - - - - - 22
Table 3: Eye View Count on slide A - - - - - - - 23
Table 4: Microscopic study of sample B under PPL and XPL - - - - 25
Table 6: Microscopic study of sample C under PPL and XPL - - - - 25
Table 7: Eye view Count of slide C - - - - - - - 27
Table 8: Microscopic study of sample D under PPL and PPL - - - - 27
Table 9: Eye view Count of slide D - - - - - - - 29
Table 10: showing the results of Sample A XRF Analysis - - - - - 32
Table 11: showing the results of Sample B XRF Analysis - - - - - 32
Table 12: showing the results of Sample C XRF Analysis - - - - 33
Table 13: showing the results of Sample D XRF Analysis - - - - - 34
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LIST OF PLATE
Plate 1: Showing G.P.S - - - - - - - - 11
Plate 2: Showing Compass Clinometer - - - - - - 12
Plate 3: Showing Topographic map - - - - - - - 13
Plate 4: Showing Geological hammer - - - - - - - 13
Plate 5: Masking tape - - - - - - - - - 14
Plate 6: showing Ruler - - - - - - - - - 14
Plate 7: Showing Permanent marker - - - - - - - 15
Plate 8: Showing Pencil - - - - - - - - 15
Plate 9: Showing Hard Cover Field Note Book - - - - - - 15
Plate 10: Sampling Bag - - - - - - - - - 16
Plate 11: Photomicrograph of sample A under (PPL) – - - - -
Plate 12: photomicrograph of sample A under (XPL) - - - - - 22
Plate 13: Photomicrograph of sample B under (PPL) - - - - - 24
Plate 14: photomicrograph of sample B under (XPL) - - - - - 24
Plate 15: Photomicrograph of sample C under ((PPL) - - - - - 27
Plate 16: photomicrograph of sample C under (XPL) - - - - - 27
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Plate 17: Photomicrograph of sample D under (PPL) - - - - - 29
Plate 18: photomicrograph of sample D under (XPL) - - - - - 29
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 1: showing rock polishing machine - - - - - - - 17
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CHAPTER ONE
1:0 INTRODUCTION
Petrology is a branch of geology that deals with the study of rocks, their origin, composition,
and classification. The petrographic analysis of rocks involves the microscopic examination
of rock samples to determine the mineral composition, texture, and other physical properties
of the rocks. The study of petrology and petrographic analysis is essential in understanding
The petrographic analysis of these rocks can help in understanding their formation processes.
For instance, igneous rocks form from the solidification of magma or lava. The process of
deformation and alteration of the rocks. For instance, the presence of deformation bands and
metamorphic textures in the rock samples can indicate the presence of tectonic activity in the
past.
The petrological and petrographic studies of the rocks around Rimin zayam Northeast part of
Nigeria was carried out. The area is predominantly known for small-scale agriculture, but
there is also a significant presence of rocks and minerals of various types, which has led to an
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interest in the petrological and petrographic study of the rocks, characteristics and mineral
rock units, petrographic studies of the thin sections using light transmitting petrological
microscope analysis and as well as X-ray fluorescent analysis (XRF) and interpretation of
the structural element in the study area. In the study area some fresher rocks sample were
collected and prepared for thin sections study using standard procedure.
The Rimin Zayam community in the Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State is known
for its diverse and abundant rock formations. Despite this, there is limited knowledge
available on the petrological and petrographic characteristics of the rocks in the area. This
creates a significant data gap in our understanding of the geological history of the region, its
potential for mineral deposits, and the associated hazards and risks.
This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the
petrological and petrographic characteristics of several rocks in the area. The specific
problem that this study will aim to address includes the lack of detailed information on the
mineral composition, structure, and formation of the rocks in Rimin Zayam. Additionally, the
study will also address the need to investigate the potential for hazards such as instability or
erosion associated with specific rock types. By addressing these issues, this study will
provide critical information for the development and management of natural resources,
The study area fall within sheet 149NE of Bauchi State with the coordinate of longitude 10°
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The aim of this research is to comprehensively analyze the petrographic characteristics of
rimin zayam rock formations, unraveling their geological history and contribution to a deeper
Objectives;
2. Systematic classification and precise description of the rocks in the study area.
3. To identify the composition of minerals present in some rocks around the study area.
4. To provide a concrete or a good result in partial fulfilment for the award of National
The research study falls within the locality of Rimin Zayam of Toro Local Government,
Bauchi State
The Rimin Zayam community in the Toro Local Government Area is primarily characterized
occasionally trees, with the main species being African star grass, creeping Indigo, and
bastard teak. The vegetation in the area is adapted to the region's semi-arid climate, with a
The vegetation type is tropical Savannah and it's comprises of shrubs, flat lying grasses and
scattered trees.
The drainage pattern is irregular and the stream in the areas are controlled by structures.
The drainage and vegetation in the Rimin Zayam area are indicative of the semi-arid climate
of the region, with low and erratic rainfall patterns resulting in limited surface water
resources. However, the vegetation in the area still provides grazing ground for livestock,
while the streams and rivers serve as a source of water for both domestic and agricultural
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purposes. Overall, understanding the drainage and vegetation patterns in the area is important
for developing sustainable agriculture and water management practices in the region.
CHAPTER TWO
on the basement complex of Nigeria for this study. Within the basement complex of
Migmatites, Gneisses,Granite-Gneisses
Muscovite-, tourmaline- and beryl-bearing pegmatites, applites and syenite dykes; basaltic,
sensustricto (Dauda, 2020) and it is the most widespread of the component units in the
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paragneisses and a series of basic and ultrabasic metamorphosed rocks. Petrographic
evidence indicates that, the Pan-African reworking led to recrystallisation of many of the
constituent minerals of the Migmatite-Gneiss Complex by partial melting with majority of the
rock types displaying medium to upper amphibolite facies metamorphism. The Migmatite-
quartzite complex” makes up about 60% of the surface area of the Nigerian basement (Ocan,
2022). These rocks record three major geological events ( Abdullahi, 2019); the earliest, at
2,500 Ma, involved initiation of crust forming proceses (e.g. the banded Ibadan grey gneiss of
mantle origin) and of crustal growth by sedimentation and orogeny; next came the Eburnean,
2,000±200 Ma, marked by the Ibadan type granite gneisses; this was followed by ages in the
range from 900 to 450 Ma which represent the imprint of the Pan-African event which not
only structurally overprinted and re-set many geochronological clocks in the older rocks,
butalso gave rise to granite gneisses, migmatites and other similar lithological units. The
close analogy in time with the development of the Birrimian of the West African Craton is
striking. However, although gold, manganese and iron mineral deposits are associated with
Birrimian rocks, the same age rocks in Nigeria are very sparsely, if at all, mineralized. The
extent of Eburnean and older rocks in Nigeria is not known. Definite geochemical evidence
for the existence of these rocks exists for the area south of latitude 9·N (Lancelot, 2019).
Lithologically, similar rocks in other parts of Nigeria, especially in the northeast and
Many areas in Northern, Western and Eastern Nigeria are covered by rocks of the Migmatite-
Gneiss Complex. These areas include, but not limited to: Abuja, Keffi, Akwanga, Bauchi,
Nigeria);Ibadan,Ile-Ife,Akure, Ikerre, (in Western Nigeria) and Obudu and the Oban Massif
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The migmatite-gneisse complex is composed of a series of rock types including migmatites,
gneisses of various origins and a series of metamorphosed basic and ultrabasic rocks
represented by amphibolites and talc Schist. Definite meta-sedimentary rocks are represented
by quartzites, marble and mica Schists (Abraham, 2021). The meta-sedimentary rocks have
been referred to as "older Meta-sediment. The rocks have been metamorphosed in the middle
to upper amphibolite facies. Russ (2022) considered that the oldest member of the gneissic
complex represents the oldest member of the Precambrian rocks of the Northwestern Nigeria
The Schist Belts comprise of low grade,meta-sediment-dominated belts trending N-S which
are best developed in the western half of Nigeria. These belts are considered to be Upper
Proterozoic supracrustal rocks which have been infolded into the migmatite-gneiss-quartzite
complex. The geochronology of the Schist belts remains problematical; although, the ages of
the intrusive cross-cutting Older Granites provide a lower limit of 750 Ma. An age of 1,040
±25 Ma for the Maru Belt phyllites has been accepted as a metamorphic age by Ogezi (2019).
The Schist belt rocks are generally considered to be Upper Proterozoic. The geochemistry of
the amphibolite complexes within the Schist belts has also led to controversy.
The belts are confined to a NNE-trending zone of about 300 km wide. The area to the west of
this zone is made up of gneisses and migmatites (Burke and Dewey, 2020).Similarly to the
East,no Schist belts are known for a distance of 700 km until in Cameroun where a number of
The relationship between the Schist belts of the north-western and southwestern Nigeria is
not clear,partly because they are separated by Cretaceous and tertiary sediments of the Niger
Basin.
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2.1.2 The Older Granites (Pan African Granitoids)
The term “Older Granite” was introduced to distinguish the deep-seated, often concordant or
semi-concordant granites of the Basement Complex from the high-level, highly discordant
tin-bearing granites of Northern Nigeria. The Older Granites are believed to be pre and post-
tectonic rocks which cut both the migmatite-gneiss-quarzite complex and the Schist belts.
They range widely in age (750-450 Ma) and composition. They represent a varied and long
lasting (750-450 Ma) magmatic cycle associated with the Pan-African orogeny. The rocks of
this suite range in composition from tonalites and diorites through granodiorites to true
granites and syenites. Charnockites form an important rock group emplaced during this
period. They are generally high level intrusions and anataxis has played an important role
(Rahaman, 1981). The Older Granites suite is notable for its general lack of associated
mineralization although the thermal effects may play a role in the remobilization of
mineralizing fluids.
The Older Granites are the most obvious manifestation of the Pan-African orogeny and
represent significant additions of materials (up to 70% in some places) to the crust (Rahaman,
1988). Attempt to classify the Older Granites with respect to timing during an orogenic event
are valid over ony short distances. Contact features between members of the Older Granites
suite suggest the coexistence of several magmas. Compositionally, the granites plot in the
field of calc-alkaline rocks on the AFM diagram and although they contain significant
amount of alkalis, are also often slightly corundum normative. Dada (2020) was of the
opinion that the term “Pan African Granitoids" be used for the Older Granites not only on the
merit of age which was not available at the time they were named Older Granites, but
because it covers several important petrologic groups formed at the same time.
The granitoids which outcrop with the Schist belts in Northwestern and Southwestern Nigeria
include biotite granites, biotite muscovite granites, syenites, chanockites, serpentinites and
anorthosites.
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Dahiru (2019) discarded the earlier classification of members of the Older Granites suite on
the basis of their texture, mineraological composition and the relative timing of their
emplacement. In its place, members of the Older Granite suite were classified as follows,
1. Migmatitic granite
2. Granite gneiss
The undeformed acid and basic dykes are late to post-tectonic Pan African. They cross-cut
the Migmatite-Gneiss Complex,the Schist Belts and the Older Granites. There are 2 major
portions that form the undeformed acid and basic dykes,they are:
a) Felsic dykes that are associated with Pan African granitoids on the terrain such as the
muscovite, tourmaline and beryl bearing pegmatites, microgranites, aplites and syenite dykes
b) Basic dykes that are generally regarded as the youngest units in the Nigerian basement
such as dolerite and the less common basaltic, felsite and lamprophyric dykes.
The age of the felsite dykes has been put at between 580 and 535 Ma from Rb-Sr studies on
whole rocks (Mathew and Caen-milli, 2019 Dauda, 2020), while the basic dykes have a much
lower suggested age of 500 Ma (Grant, 2021). The structural and geochronological
importance of this suite of rocks, which have been put to immense chronological use
elsewhere are often overlooked in Nigeria. When they cross-cut basement, they could be used
to infer relative age of metamorphic structures and rock suites and could also suggest the
existence of older basement windowsin the Nigerian Schist belts, apart from the immense
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guide they provide in sampling for isotope geochemistry,analysis and interpretation (Dahiru,
2020).
Previously unmapped area around Bauchi (Survey sheet number 149) have been mapped and
some areas was mapped and Oyawoye (1958) have been reinvestigated. The area consist of
amphibolite Facies Basement migmatites and biotite gneiss with ancient metasediments
remnants, occasionally of granulite Facies, and older Granite complexes of acid and
The unusual fayalite quartz monzonite at Bauchi town was first described as a coarse grained
augite syenite by Basin (2021) also described as syenite from Bauchi, but the distinctive
features of the rocks were first emphasized by, Oyawoye who named it Bauchite (2019).
There are four main occurrences of Bauchite in the area, at Bauchi, Yelwa, margas and south
of Kangere. In earth case biotite hornblende granite forms a large part of the complex, and
quartz diorites are also common. Fresh specimens of bauchite are dark green due to the green
or brown colour of quartz and feldspar, the most conspicous crystal being twinned alkali
The Bauchi area has foliations running through it, these was deduced from field data, SLAB
images and previous maps. It has in place biotite-muscovite granite which form elongated
plutons parallel to the regional structures suggesting a syn-tectonic emplacement, and biotite-
hornblende granites which have more rounded shapes moulded by country rock structures in
Extensive sampling of metasedimentary gneisses of the Bauchi area (Jos to Bauchi transect)
has revealed several occurrences of granulite facies rocks within high temperature
Quartz diorites are found in and near to the intrusions (1km across) or as dykes in the
bauchite. They are dark green and vary in grain size, but the larger intrusions, e.g. Inkil Hill,
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have feldspars up to several centimeters in length and appear rather similar to bauchite. All
diorites are quartz bearing and most contain at least 10% hypersthene. In bauchite areas
diorite forms topography similar to the bauchite, but elsewhere the only endure diorite may
be the characteristically spherical, deeply weathered boulders scattered over flat, low – lying
Rimin Zaymin are situated in North Central Nigeria basement complex. The area is generally
most part of the area, unconsolidated weathered overburden, consist of laterites, Clays and
The study area is located within the latitude of 10°08'16.8"N (10.1380100°) and longitude of
9°17'04.3"E (9.2845400°). The geology of Nigeria is made up of three main rock groups:
Precambrian Basement Complex,Younger Granites and Sedimentary Basins. The study area
is a part of the Schist belt of the Precambrian Basement Complex of North Central
Nigeria.The Basement Complex forms part of the Pan-African mobile belt which lies
between the West-African and Northwest of Congo Craton and south of the Tuareg Shield
about 600 Ma ago (Black 2020, Ajibade et al., 2019). The Pan African deformation was
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CHAPTER THREE
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13 Petrographic microscope ATAP Geology Lab
14 Rock cutting machine ATAP Geology Lab
15 Rock Polishing machine ATAP Geology Lab
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Plate 2: Showing Compass Clinometer
Topographic Map
Topography map shows the height of a region in the form of contour height measured against
the average sea level
Geological Hammer
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In field geology, they are used to obtain a fresh surface of a rock to determine its
composition, bedding orientation, nature, mineralogy, history, and field estimate of rock
strength.
Permanent Marker
This markers are used to label rock samples masked with tape, to keep track of your co-
ordinates and locations.
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Pencil
The pencil is used to record the exact angles and direction of a rock formation in the field.
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A cover Slip
Over slip are flat pieces of glass less than a millimeter thick and generally around 20 mm
wide. A coverslip is placed over a microscope slide
Glass Slide
Microscope glass slide is a thin flat piece of glass, typically 75 by 26 mm (3 by 1 inches) and
about 1 mm thick, used to hold prepared rock under a microscope.
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Rock cutting machine
Rock cutting machine can be used to cut rock cores.
3.2 Methods
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Methods employed in the course of the work can be broadly divided into two, which are Field
methods and the Laboratory Methods.
3.3 Field Methods
These are the various methods employed in the field to acquire data, take samples and also
interpret in the field. These include the following:
1. Reconnaissance Survey:
A reconnaissance survey is carried out to get a generalized idea about the terrain, the
broad petrographic, structural features, vegetation and drainage patterns available in
the area; these provided a preliminary overview of the area, followed by a detail
geological survey.
2. Detail Geological Survey:
A detailed Geological survey is carried out to locate features present on the piece of
land in the area of study. This include both Geological and Man-made structures.
Geological features include examining the rock composition, structures trends and
direction, dip/strike attitudes of the structures, lithological properties, formation, and
changes that geological formations undergo naturally or when subjected to certain
forces, pressure or loading conditions, and taking co-ordinates and elevation at each
point a sample is obtained.
This Geological survey is conducted for the purpose of collecting rock samples to study
and conduct laboratory analysis (Petrographic thin section and X-ray fluorescence
Analysis).
3.4 Laboratory Method
The laboratory method employed on this are petrographic analysis method (thin section)
and the X-ray flourecence analysis method (xrf)
3.4.1 Petrographic Analysis Method (Thin Section):
Rock samples typically cores or individual grab samples require processing before they
can be used for mineral analysis by either polarizing light microscope, ore microscope,
microprobe, scanning electron microscope or x-ray micro-analysis etc.
The samples has to be (thin) enough for light to pass through in a light microscope and
have a polished surface for electron microscopic studies.
3.4.2 Laboratory Procedure for Conducting Thin Section:
1. Cut a slab by rock cutting machine
2. Polish one side of the slab with carborundum powder until is smooth
3. Place the polish surface on a glass slide
4. Preparation of cementing material and stick the slab on the glass slide
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5. Eliminate air bubbles by rubbing the surface using mounting pin
6. Allow to dry and place on a hot plate to make it stick stronger
7. Mark the glass slide using diamond pen
8. Coarse grinding by grinding machine
9. Fine grinding by fine grinding machine
10. Very fine grinding by use of carborundum powder to thin the rock slab
11. Using razor blade scrape out all the gum sides sticking on the glass slide
12. While polishing with carborundum powder be observing the slide on a petrographic
microscope to know when the slide boundaries are clear and sharp
13. Cover the thin section by gumming with glass slide
14. Label the slide and ready for further studies
After the above method you now view same slide these time with the analyser in producing
the Cross-polarized Light, you can see the following properties of the minerals in these mode:
Interference colours
Extinction angle
Twinning
After which the mineral counts in various slide positions are made and the required slide
pictures are taken using the USB PC thin section camera.
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homogenizing it as a fine powder. A bench top XRF spectrometer is then used to measure the
component parts of the sample and develop relative data for bulk material. This requires
several distinct pieces of lab equipment’s to achieve optimal results.
3.6.1 Samples are prepared for XRF Analysis in Accordance with the Following
Procedures:
1. Rock Splitting - Operation of S0-ton Hydraulic Press 9MFWS-S.DP.SS)
2. Crushing - Operation of SO-ton Hydraulic Press (TWS-ESS-DP-S4)
3. Pulverizing - Using the Shatter box. CWS-ESS-DP-53)
4. AE 100 "SCALE Operating Procedure (X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Sample
Weighing
5. Procedure) CTWS-ESS-DP-S I)
6. Fusing Using the Junior Orbit Shaker CFWS-ESS.DP.$2)
However, the only mandatory equipment required to prepare sample materials for XRF
analysis is conventional platinum lab ware and a specialized fusion furnace
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 RESULT
4.1 Introduction
The various rocks obtained from the field were grouped into samples A, B, C, and D were
analyzed macroscopically with the aid of the eyes and hand lenses to see minerals which are
visible and later subjected to thin-section (Petrographic) studies under the microscope to
ascertain the minerals.
4.2 Microscopic Studies
The microscopic studies are outlines below for each of the sample and also the mineral
percentage are gotten from the various slide stage rotation.
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Plate 11: Photomicrograph of sample A plate 12: photomicrograph of sample
Biotite 7 - 9 3 19
Alkaline 3 9 4 2 18
Feldspar
Plagioclase 8 1 7 3 19
Muscovite 3 7 4 11 25
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Total 112
Statistical Calculations:
Quartz = 31/112 *100 = 27.7%
Normalization:
Quartz. = 31
Alkaline feldspar. = 18
Plagioclase = 19
Total = 68
Total = 100%
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Fig. 5: Pie chart showing sample A percentage of normalization
35
muscovite colorless Absent Absent Anhedral Mediu Tartan White-Dark Decline
m
Alkaline colorless Absent Absent Anhedral Low Absent White-Dark Incline
feldspar
Quartz 12 8 6 10 36
Biotite 2 3 - 5 10
Alkaline 9 4 7 - 20
Feldspar
Plagioclase 3 10 9 7 29
Muscovite 11 3 - 8 22
Total 117
Statistical Calculations:
Normalization:
Quartz. = 36
Alkaline feldspar. = 20
36
Plagioclase = 29
Total = 85
Total 100%
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Plate 15: Photomicrograph of sample C Plate 16: photomicrograph of sample
Quartz 9 7 11 8 35
Biotite 2 - 4 5 11
Alkaline 9 4 - 9 22
feldspar
Plagioclase 3 9 5 4 21
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Muscovite 13 8 3 11 35
Total 124
Statistical Calculations:
Normalization:
Quartz. = 35
Alkaline feldspar. = 22
Plagioclase = 21
Total =78
Total = 100%
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Fig. 7: Pie chart showing sample C percentage of normalization
40
Alkaline Colorles Absent Absent Subhedra Low Absent Whitish- Incline
feldspar s l Yellowish
Quartz 7 8 4 10 29
Biotite 2 6 - 4 12
Alkaline 9 7 4 - 20
Feldspar
Plagioclase 3 2 9 6 20
Muscovite 11 - 4 8 23
Total 104
Statistical Calculations:
Normalization:
Quartz. = 29
Plagioclase = 20
Total = 69
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Quartz. = 29/69 * 100 = 42%
Total = 100%
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Fig. 9: showing general QAP plot
Fe 96.27 489.94
Mn 1.88 7.42
In 1.20 20.38
Ag 0.33 7.30
Pd 0.31 6.80
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Fig. 10: Pie chart showing Sample A XRF Analysis
Fe 90.60 510.61
Zn 6.76 92.02
Mn 1.82 7.88
Cu 0.70 2.05
Ag 0.11 2.56
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Fig. 11: Pie chart showing Sample B XRF Analysis
Fe 94.96 115.66
Cd 2.58 12.61
Pd 1.26 7.42
Ag 1.19 6.53
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Fig. 12: Pie chart showing Sample C XRF Analysis
Fe 61.14 199.63
Zn 37.74 137.68
Rh 0.66 9.04
Pd 0.45 5.64
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Fig. 13: Pie chart showing Sample D XRF Analysis
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CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary
The study involved a comprehensive analysis of Rimin Zayam rock formations. Initial
macroscopic analysis of samples A, B, C, and D involved visual inspection to identify
minerals, followed by detailed microscopic studies under plane-polarized light (PPL) and
cross-polarized light (XPL). The tables showing minerals under PPL and XPL, and eye view
counts provided insights into mineral properties, including color, cleavage, pleochroism,
form, relief, twinning, interference, and extinction angles. Statistical calculations and
normalization allowed us to determine the mineral percentages for each sample, enhancing
our understanding of their composition. A general QAP plot offers a visual overview of the
results, and XRF analysis results disclose the content percentages of various elements. These
findings enrich our knowledge of Rimin Zayam's petrographic characteristics and mineral
content, providing valuable insights for geological exploration, resource assessment, and
environmental understanding in the study area.
5.2 Conclusion
The petrology and petrographic study of some rock around Rimin Zayam has clearly shows
that Rimin Zayam, located in northern Nigeria, is known for its diverse geological
formations. Some of the rocks found in this region include granite, gneiss, amphibolite,
schist, migmatite, and quartzite. Recent studies have focused on examining the mineralogical
and petrographic features of these rocks. For instance, using thin section analysis, researchers
found that the granite is composed of quartz, biotite, and plagioclase feldspar, whereas the
gneiss is characterized by alternating layers of quartz, feldspar, and mica. The amphibolite is
rich in hornblende, plagioclase feldspar, and quartz, while the schist is dominated by mica,
chlorite, and quartz. Other studies have focused on understanding the processes that led to the
formation of these rocks. For instance, one study suggested that the Rimin Zayam migmatite
was formed as a result of partial melting of the pre-existing rocks, followed by solidification
and recrystallization. Another study used radiometric dating techniques to determine the age
of the granite, which was found to be around 600 million years old.
Sample (A) was collected at coordinate N.0532576 and E.1121979. With Elevation of 729
feet. The QAP result revealed the sample at this location to be a Monozo-granite rock, an
igneous type of rock, Sample (B) was collected at coordinate N 0532309 and E 1121957.
With Elevation of 731 feet. The QAP result revealed the sample at this location to be a
48
Quartz monzonite rock, an igneous type of rock, Sample(C) was collected at coordinate N
0531768 and E 1121767. With Elevation of 730 feet. The QAP result revealed the sample at
this location to be a monzonite granite rock, an igneous type of rock and Sample (D) was
collected at coordinate N 0531100 and E 1121234. With Elevation of 720 feet. The QAP
result revealed the sample at this location to be a Quartz rich granite rock, an igneous type of
rock.
5.3 Recommendation
Based on the Research conducted and fieldwork, I strongly recommend the following:
More research should be carried out on the Geology of Nigerian Basement Complex
as to make some amendments to the old researches done in the field, a situation where
you see something different and you are made to believe it as it was and not what you
see in reference to literature review
Geological efforts should be expand to encompass a larger area around Rimin Zayam,
contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the region's geological
context.
Government and private sector should establish a monitoring program to track the
environmental, social, and economic impacts of any mineral extraction activities over
time, ensuring sustainability and responsible management.
Collaboration with experts from various fields such as geophysics, geochemistry, and
structural geology to gain a holistic understanding of the geological complexities in
the Rimin Zayam region should be done
49
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