Overview

Feldspar is a group of closely related, rock forming alumino-silicate minerals, which contain varying proportions of potassium, sodium and calcium. The word “feldspar” is derived from the Swedish word “fald” meaning field and German word “Spat” which is said to refer to any transparent or translucent material which is readily clearable. Feldspar is the most abundant of all minerals, comprising over 50% of the earth’s crust. It forms the major constituent of most igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as arkosic sediments. Commercial feldspar occurs in feldspar rich pegmatite of older granites. Feldspars are valued as raw materials that form a vital input in ceramic, glass, paper, chemical, agricultural, pharmaceutical, paints, plastics and rubber industries.

Feldspars (KAlSi₃O₈ – NaAlSi₃O₈ – CaAl₂Si₂O₈) are a group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up about 41% of the Earth's continental crust by weight. Feldspars crystallize from magma as veins in both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks and are also present in many types of metamorphic rock.

Uses & Applications

Raw material in glass and ceramic industries,
Fillers and extenders in the paint, chemical, plastic, and rubber industries
Paints
Cosmetics
Decorative stones and chippings in building/construction industries

Characteristics

K₂O Feldspar % 47.81

Na₂O + CaO Feldspar % 43.25

Quartz % 9.10

Clay substance % 2.05

Specific gravity 2.56

Hardness (mohr’s) 6

Porosity Nil

Bulk density (g/ml) Nil

Occurrence

There are wide occurrences of feldspar in the granite and pegmatite rocks of Nigeria. Feldspar occurs in the feldspar rich pegmatite of the older granites around Egbe, Udiarehyu, Okene and Lokoja in Kogi State; Osogbo in Osun State; Ijero-Ekiti in Ondo State; Abeokuta in Ogu state; Gwoza in Borno State and parts of Taraba/Adamawa State. Locations and chemical compositions of some samples of feldspars are shown in the tables below:

Investment Opportunities

The estimated demand for feldspar annually by industries in Nigeria is about 200,000 tonnes, while supply locally is far less. Feldspar is a mineral whose important role as fluxing agent in the manufacture of ceramic and glass products cannot be overemphasized. Feldspar is also being used as extruder and fillers in the paint/rubber industries and many other applications. The fact that the current production level is inadequate to meet the national demand shows that there is opportunity for investors and mineral processors in feldspar milling and beneficiation.

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