Smectite clay from the Sabga deposit (Cameroon): mineralogical and physicochemical properties

Abstract

The physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of the <250 μm particle-size fraction from six clay-rich samples from the Sabga deposit (north-west, Cameroon) were carried out to evaluate their potential applications. The major clay mineral is dioctahedral smectite and minor kaolinite is present in three of the clay samples. Cristobalite, feldspars, ilmenite and heulandite are accessory minerals. Application of the Greene-Kelly test revealed that the smectite present is montmorillonite. The chemical composition (wt.%) of the bulk clays consists of (66–70%) SiO2, (13–16%) Al2O3 and (2–7%) Fe2O3. Physico-chemical characterization of the clays showed that the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the specific surface area range from 38 to 46 meq/100 g and from 33 to 90 m2/g respectively. The physical and chemical properties are fully compatible with potential uses in environmental applications. After purification and chemical modification, these materials could also be used in refining edible oil as adsorbent, waste water treatment and wine technology.

Shallow groundwater recharge mechanism and apparent age in the Ndop plain, northwest Cameroon

“…The major clay mineral is montmorillonite (smectite) with cristobalite, feldspars, ilmenite and heulandite as accessory minerals (Mache et al 2013). The basement is largely covered with these sediments, but outcrops in certain portions.…”

Occurrences of kaolin in Koutaba (west Cameroon): Mineralogical and physicochemical characterization for use in ceramic products

“…The compositions of the kaolin clay materials studied are similar to the kaolinitic clay materials in the Lembo area (Pialy et al, 2008), formed in a welldrained hilly environment from weathering of orthogneiss, and the sand-poor kaolin from the Mayouom area formed from magmatic intrusive-shaped veins in the West Region of Cameroon (Njoya et al, 2006). In contrast, the Koutaba clays differ from white and yellowish Bana clays characterized by smectite (Mache et al, 2013). On an African scale, the composition of the Koutaba kaolinitic clays are similar to those of the residual kaolin from Bombowha in Ethiopia, which formed from hydrothermal and in situ weathering of pegmatites and granites (Ekosse et al, 2010).…”

“…Kaolinite is the alteration product of feldspar and illite. The absence of minerals typical of hydrothermal activity underlines the residual origin of the clay deposits of Koutaba (Njoya et al, 2006;Mache et al, 2013). The almost complete leaching of MnO, CaO and Na 2 O, however, is also compatible with advanced argillic alteration systems associated with hydrothermal kaolin deposits (Inoue, 1995).…”

Assessment of groundwater quality in Bamenda–Cameroon for suitable applications

“…These felsic lavas originate through fractional crystallization from mafic magmas, with crustal contamination. Chemical weathering of the basement and the resulting volcanic rocks (from felsic and mafic lavas) produced thick unconsoliated sediments consisting mainly of clay to sand-sized particles [13] with the major clay minerals being montmorillonite (smectite), while cristobalite, feldspars, ilmenite, and heulandite constitute the accessory minerals [14]. The Online Resource shows the geological map of Bamenda with the major lithologies.…”