Characterisation of Local Feldspar Deposits in Ogun State for Ceramic and Glass Raw Material Applications

This study characterises feldspar deposits in selected locations in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, for their suitability as raw materials in ceramic body formulations and glass batch compositions. Ogun State hosts known feldspar occurrences associated with the basement complex geology of south-western Nigeria, yet systematic characterisation of these deposits for industrial application has not been comprehensively documented in recent literature. Samples are collected from four deposit outcrops in Abeokuta North and Ifo Local Government Areas. Chemical composition is determined by XRF, mineralogical phases identified by XRD, and textural characteristics assessed by optical microscopy and petrography. Particle size analysis and specific gravity determination are performed. Flux properties are evaluated by preparing standard ceramic body test bars fired at temperatures from 1100 to 1300 degrees Celsius in 50-degree increments, and measuring fired shrinkage, water absorption, and bulk density at each temperature. Results confirm the predominance of albite-type feldspar with K-feldspar as a minor phase. Chemical composition analysis indicates acceptable alumina and alkali oxide contents for ceramic flux applications. Test bars achieve vitrification (water absorption below 0.5 percent) at 1200 degrees Celsius, comparable to imported feldspars. Iron oxide content is marginally elevated in two samples, necessitating beneficiation for white body ceramic applications. Keywords: feldspar, ceramic raw material, characterisation, Ogun State, vitrification.