Pegmatites are coarse grained igneous and metamorphic rocks. They represent the end product of magmatic stage in the evolution of granitic melt. The rare-metals (rare-elements) that serve as petrogenetic indicators (geochemical indicators) and potential ore indicators are Rb, Cs, Li, Sn, Ta, Nb, Be and W, also volatiles, like B,F,H2O play a very important role in the whole process. Pegmatites research in Nigeria from 1946 to 1989 by Jacobson and Webb, ( 1946) and Matheis and Kuster, (1989), Matheis,(1989), Matheis and Cean- Vanchette, ( 1983), use the rare-elements as tin indicators but petrology was not the main target.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 General Introduction
1.2 Statement of the Problem/ Justification
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Location, Extent and Accessibility
1.5 Relief and Drainage
1.6 Climate and Vegetation
1.7 Extent and Scope of work
1.8 Limitations
Chapter Two: Sub-Regional Geology
2.1 Introduction
2.2 General Geology of Nigeria
2.3 Regional Geological Setting
2.4 Origin of the Basement Complex
2.5 The Litho logy of the Basement Complex
2.6 Structural Relationship
2.7 Geochronology of the Basement Complex
2.8 Regional Metallogenic Features
Chapter Three: Fieldwork and Methodology
3.1 Fieldwork and Methodology for Rock sampling
3.2 Geochemical Analysis and Procedures
3.2.1 X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
3.2.2 Procedure
Chapter Four: Results and Interpretation
4.1 Introduction
4.1.2 Introduction to interpretation of Petrographic Data
4.1.3 Hand Specimen Description of Rock types
4.1.4 Interpretation of Photomicrographic plates
4.2 Introduction to Interpretation of Geochemical Results
4.2.1 Interpretation of Geochemical Results
Chapter Five: Discussion
5.1 Discussion of Results
Chapter Six: Conclusion and Recommendations
6.1 Conclusion
6.2 Recommendations
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the geological and geochemical characteristics of the Gwon-Gwon pegmatite field in Wamba, Nasarawa State, to determine its economic potential for rare-metal mineralization. The study aims to establish the genetic link between the parental granites and the associated pegmatites by analyzing petrological and petrochemical datasets.
- Petrological and mineralogical characterization of the Gwon-Gwon pegmatites.
- Development of a detailed geological map of the pegmatite field.
- Geochemical analysis of rock samples to assess fractionation and fertility.
- Identification of economic mineral zones and potential mining methods.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 General Introduction
Pegmatites are coarse grained igneous and metamorphic rocks. They represent the end product of magmatic stage in the evolution of granitic melt. The rare-metals (rare-elements) that serve as petrogenetic indicators (geochemical indicators) and potential ore indicators are Rb, Cs, Li, Sn, Ta, Nb, Be and W, also volatiles, like B,F,H2O play a very important role in the whole process. Pegmatites research in Nigeria from 1946 to 1989 by Jacobson and Webb,( 1946) and Matheis and Kuster,(1989), Matheis,(1989), Matheis and Cean- Vanchette,( 1983), use the rare-elements as tin indicators but petrology was not the main target.
The Gwon-Gwon pegmatite at Wamba is the third mineralized pegmatite in Nigeria. It falls within the Nigeria’s 400km stretch of pegmatite belt [(fig.1), Matheis; 1987] which trends from NW to the central North. The pegmatite “belt” in Nigeria is part of the Pan- African reactivation zone which extends in a SW-NE direction for about 400km and finally passes into the Jos ‘Tin fields’ associated with the Younger Granites (fig, 2), Matheis and Cean-Vanchette (1983).
Summary of Chapters
Chapter One: Introduction: Outlines the significance of pegmatites as rare-metal sources and defines the research scope within the Gwon-Gwon pegmatite field.
Chapter Two: Sub-Regional Geology: Provides a comprehensive overview of the Nigerian Basement Complex, covering its structural evolution, geochronology, and metallogenic features.
Chapter Three: Fieldwork and Methodology: Details the sampling strategies, field equipment, and the application of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry for rock analysis.
Chapter Four: Results and Interpretation: Presents the findings from petrographic descriptions and geochemical analysis, including ternary plots and photomicrographic interpretations.
Chapter Five: Discussion: Discusses the genetic relationship between parent granites and pegmatites, emphasizing the role of fractional crystallization in rare-metal enrichment.
Chapter Six: Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarizes the findings and proposes future steps for focused geological exploration in areas of high economic potential.
Keywords
Pegmatite, Gwon-Gwon, Wamba, Geochemistry, Rare-metals, Fractionation, Tin, Granites, Basement Complex, Petrology, XRF, Mineralization, Nigeria, Petrochemistry, Cassiterite
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the geology and petrochemistry of the Gwon-Gwon pegmatite field in Wamba, aiming to understand its origin and rare-metal economic potential.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include pegmatite petrology, basement complex geology, geochemical indicators of fractionation, and the genetic link between granites and mineralized pegmatites.
What is the ultimate goal of the thesis?
The goal is to characterize the pegmatite field mineralogically and chemically, and to map the area to determine its potential for sustainable rare-metal mining.
What scientific methodologies are employed?
The study utilizes field observation, petrographic microscopy of thin sections, and geochemical analysis via X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) to identify trace elements.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the regional geological setting, field sampling procedures, interpretation of geochemical data (such as ternary plots), and a detailed discussion on fractionation and weathering.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The work is defined by terms such as pegmatite, Gwon-Gwon, rare-metals, fractionation, and geochemical indicators.
How does fractionation influence the economic viability of the Gwon-Gwon site?
Fractionation determines the concentration of rare elements; higher degrees of fractionation are correlated with a higher concentration of minerals like cassiterite, making specific areas more economically viable.
What role does the Basement Complex play in this study?
The Basement Complex provides the regional tectonic framework, which explains the formation and emplacement of the granites that are parental to the pegmatite bodies in the study area.
- Quote paper
- Abdullahi Adamu Mohammed (Author), 2011, Geology and petrochemistry of Gwon-Gwon pegmatite field Wamba, Nasarawa state, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/272264
