Continental J.

Earth Sciences 2: 1 - 6, 2007

©Wilolud Online Journals, 2007.

ECONOMIC POTENTIALS OF THE PEGMATITES OF ERUKU AREA, SOUTHWESTERN

NIGERIA.

Adekeye, J. I. D. and Adedoyin, A. D.

Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT
The close proximity of the pegmatites of Eruku area to the strongly mineralized pegmatites
of Egbe area and lack of published work on those from the former formed the basis of this
research. Sub-parallel, steeply-dipping, lenticular/podlike pegmatite bodies occur in the
Eruku area, southwestern Nigeria. They are emplaced within the late Proterozoic to early
Paleozoic crystalline basement complex rocks. Some of these pegmatites are mineralized
while others are barren. The barren pegmatites are sources of industrial minerals like
feldspar and quartz. The mineralized pegmatites are also sources of feldspar and quartz
and, in addition, columbite – tantalite, cassiterite, garnet and coloured varieties of
tourmaline. Structural features present in the pegmatites include their linear disposition,
crude zoning within the rocks and occurrence of some minerals across the contact zone.
Available geochemical data indicate that the mineralized pegmatites classify as Li-Be+Ta
pegmatites. They are genetically related to differentiation and progressive crystallization
of a fertile granitic magma under non-equilibrium conditions during the cooling period,
while the barren ones may be products of metamorphism in a high grade metamorphic
terrain.

KEYWORDS: Pegmatites, potential, mineralized differentiation, crystallization,

petrogenesis.

INTRODUCTION
The Eruku area, about 140km east of Ilorin, is located west of the Egbe area, which was studied by Jacobson
and Webb (1946) and east of the Osi area, which was also studied by King and de Swardt (1949). The area falls
within longitudes 50 19'E - 50 33'E and 80 04'N - 80 12'N (Fig.1).

There is no published work on the area, yet it shares a common boundary with the well studied Egbe area, which
is known for rare-metal bearing pegmatites. Also, there is an upsurge in demand for precious and semi-precious
minerals due to new trends in technology and fashion. This calls for discovery of more sources to cope with the
demand. These factors formed the basis for carrying out geological and geochemical studies in the area with a
view to possibly identifying more mineralized pegmatites. Geological mapping was carried out on
scale1:25,000.

The pegmatites were carefully observed, during the course of mapping for their field and mineralogical
characteristics with a view to identifying those with high mineralization potentials. Whole rock and mineral
sampling was done during the mapping exercise. Thin-section slides were also prepared for petrographic
studies. Carefully selected biotite, muscovite and feldspar samples were pulverized at the workshop of Geology
Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The samples were milled to ≤40µ. Major oxides
and minor elements were analyzed for through ICP-MS method using LiBO2/L12B4O7 fusion and HCl-HNO3-
HClO4-HP digestion respectively. The rare earth elements were analyzed for using ICP-ES. All analyses were
done at ACTLABS, Ontario. Canada, through Petroc Services Ltd, No. 10 Alfonso St., Shasha, Ibadan, Nigeria.

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 Adekeye, J. I. D. and Adedoyin, A. D: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 1 - 6, 2007

Although gh detailed petrographic and structural analyses are beyond the scope of this preliminary report, yet a
brief petrogenesis of the pegmatites has been proposed based on the available petrographic and structural data.

It is hoped that this report will prove useful in further search for materials in the ceramic, chemical and
technological industries.

The pegmatites
The pegmatite bodies in the study area are variable in character: simple, complex, crudely zoned, unzoned,
tabular, lenticular, feebly albitized or graphic. Some of them are deeply weathered and their presence only
registered by relics of feldspar, rock quartz, muscovite and schorl, lying on the ground while the others are still
emplaced. They cross-cut all rock types in a generally NW-SE direction. Some of them are deformed while the
others are massive. An impressive, relatively undeformed body occurs in the north central part of the study area
and constitutes about 60% of the small hill. Many others are low-lying. The pegmatites vary in sizes between
less than 1m to 30m in width and 5m to 205m in length. They are either vertical in orientation or dip at high
angles.

The bodies exhibit sharp textural and mineralogical changes. They also occur in sub-parallel swarms with
occasional pinch-and-swell structures along their strikes. The swells are known to be loci of mineralization in
certain complex rare-metal pegmatites from southwestern Nigeria (Adedoyin, 2005; Adedoyin et al. 2006). In
the larger bodies, crude border, wall, intermediate, and core zones could be identified. The contact zone is fine-
grained while the core is coarse-grained being composed essentially of large crystals of (up to 12cm across)
quartz. Many of the pegmatites are dilational. Around their border, xenoliths of the gneisses were found within
the pegmatites while slender prismatic schorl and muscovite are oriented in oblique manner. The basic
mineralogy of the pegmatites appears to be microcline + albite + quartz + muscovite + biotite +garnet.
Microcline is the most prominent feldspar. It is pink in colour and measures between <1cm and 10.5cm across.
The size of the deposit also appears to be a function of the grain size. Quartz is dominantly milky but a few
crystals are transparent. In some of the pegmatites, crystals of

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 Adekeye, J. I. D. and Adedoyin, A. D: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 1 - 6, 2007

cassiterite occur as disseminated grains between 0.1 – 1.6 mm in size while tiny, cloudy crystals of beryl were
picked in the north central part of the area.

Geochemistry
Major, trace, and rare earth elements were analyzed for in micas and feldspar. Results of the analyzed samples
and some geochemical ratios are presented in Table 1. Concentration of some major, minor and trace elements
in muscovite and, to some extent feldspar and biotite have proved useful in discriminating the pegmatite
deposits. This is a preliminary result and therefore, our conclusions are regarded as tentative in the light of
limited analytical results. A sharp contrast exists between elemental conntrations in the samples, whether trace
or rare earth elements. Rb and Nb are fairly enriched in the micas while the Sn content is only fairly enriched in
muscovite. A close relationship exists between Nb and Ta. About 9% of Ta occurs in every columbite – tantalite
association. Although tiny impure crystals of beryl were picked, yet beryllium content is unimpressive. The
K/Rb ratios are low while the K/Ba and K/Sr ratios are generally higher in the micas (Table 1).

DISCUSSION
In the past, efforts in the search for mineralized pegmatites were concentrated within the NE- SW pegmatite
belt, but in recent times, efforts are now directed at places outside the belt. This has yielded results as new
deposits have been discovered away from the belt (e.g. Ekwueme and Matheis, 1995; Garba, 2003). However,
Eruku area is sandwiched between Jacobson and Webb’s (1946) Egbe area and King and de Swardt’s (1949) Osi
area. Jacobson and Webb (1946) reported occurrence of mineralized pegmatites but

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 Adekeye, J. I. D. and Adedoyin, A. D: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 1 - 6, 2007

King and de Swardt(1949) observed none. The present study concentrates on this horizon that lies between
‘mineralized’ and ‘barren’ zones.

This investigation shows that the pegmatites in the Eruku area could be classified into two: The first class
comprises the microcline + quartz + muscovite + biotite – bearing bodies. These are barren. Some of them

are only sources of large crystals of microcline and quartz. The second class is comprised of microcline + quartz
+ muscovite + schorl + garnet + cassiterite – bearing pegmatites. They are mineralized. The barren pegmatites
are more abundant than the mineralized types.

The pegmatites cut various rock types in the area. Their linear and dilational dispositions indicate forceful
emplacement into pre-existing zones of weakness within Older Basement units under active tensional strain
conditions. Field evidences e.g. occurrence of xenoliths of country rocks in them point to their magmatic origin.
They have possibly been formed from differentiation of magma of a fertile granite. The zoning as well as the
mineralogical and textural variations between adjacent zones within the pegmatite deposits is related to
progressive crystallization from the border to the core. These differences are due to fractionation and
progressive reactions between remnant crystals and incoming fluids. According to Cameron et al (1949), these
reactions are best attained under non-equilibrium conditions. The fractionation is supported by the low K/Rb but
high K/Ba and R/Sr ratios

Differences in thermal states between the host rocks and the pegmatites are indicated by the fine-grained nature
of the contact zone. This phenomenon develops when a magma forced into relatively cold country rocks is
chilled by the lower temperature of the country rocks. Existence of black tourmaline in oblique orientation
across the borders indicates that the emplacement was accompanied by mobility from a

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 Adekeye, J. I. D. and Adedoyin, A. D: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 1 - 6, 2007

generation of ascending fluids. The barren pegmatites are older than the mineralized types, being cut by the
latter. Kinnard (1984) ascribed upper Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times to barren and mineralized pegmatites,
respectively. He also related the earliest pegmatites to shallow-depth plate collision granitoids and the latter
ones to orogenic/anorogenic Older Granites. The mineralized pegmatites in the Eruku area thus appear to be
genetically related to the late stage emplacement of the granites. The high K/Ba and Rb/Sr but low K/Rb ratios
in the muscovite species also point to a granitic origin (Garba, 2003).

Concentrations of trace elements in white micas have on many cases proved useful in appraising the economic
potentials of mineralized pegmantites (Gordiyenko, 1971; Garliski, et al, 1977; Kuster, 1990). Results of
geochemical analysis have been applied to discriminate barren and mineralized pegmatites (e.g Matheis and
Caen-VAchette, 1983; Kuster, 1990; Oyarzabal, 2004). K/Cs vs Rb and K/Rb vs Rb/Sr discriminating diagrams
(Fig.2 and 3) show that the mineralized pegmatites are Li-Be+Ta pegmatites. Also compared to some
mineralized pegmatites e.g. Kushaka and Magami areas (Garba, 2003), the mineralized pegmatites are more
enriched in columbite – tantalite mineral as observed from the results of geochemical analyses. Adedoyin et al
(2006) are of the opinion that presence of schorls on the surface of a pegmatitic deposit is an indication of its
high potential for mineralization.

CONCLUSION
Mineralized and barren pegmatites occur in the Eruku area. The barren ones are simple in mineralogy and
character and are sources of only ceramic and industrial minerals. The mineralized pegmatites are complex and
contain some minerals such as columbite – tantalite, beryl, tourmaline, cassiterite and garnet. Massive, clean
quartz veins occur in the northwestern part of the area and are being worked by artisan miners. The purity of the
quartz veins makes them favourable sources of raw materials for glass, soap and scouring powder industries.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank Mr. Sunday Abiola of Ekiti Local Government Secretariat, Araromi-Opin, Kwara State,
Nigeria, for providing free accommodation during the fieldwork. Mrs. Felicia Omidiran of The Lord is good
Computer Centre, Offa Rd/Lajorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, is also thanked for carefully typing the manuscript.

REFERENCES
Adedoyin, A. D. (2005): Aspects of the Geochemistry of Pegmatites from selected localities from southwestern
Nigeria. Unpubl. M. Sc. Thesis, Univ. Ilorin.

Adedoyin, A. D., Adekeye, J.I.D. and Alao, D. A. (2006): Trace element geochemistry of selected pegmatites
from southwestern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences, University of Ilorin. 1:2023-2035.

Cameron, E. N., Jahns, R. H., McNair, A., and Page, L. R. (1949): Internal structure of granitic pegmatites.
Econ. Geol. Monogr. 2: 115pp.

Ekwueme, B. N. and Matheis, G. (1995): Geochemistry and Economic value of pegmatites in the Precambrian
Basement Complex of southeastern Nigeria: Magmatism in relation to diverse tectonic settings (R.K. Srivastava
and R. Chandra, Eds., New Delhi, IBH publishing Co. 1:375-392).

Garba, I. (2003): Geochemistry discrimination of newly – discovered Rare-metal bearing and Barren Pegmatites
in the Pan-African (600+ 150Ma). B112: B287 – B292.

Garliski, M., Perino, E., Gasquez, J., Marquez Zavalia M., and R. Olsina (1977):Geoquimica de feldspatos
potasicos y muscovitas como guia de exploracion de pegmatitas graniticas de algunos distritos de la provincial
pegmatitica pampeana. Rev. Asoc Geol. Arg. 52:24-32.

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 Adekeye, J. I. D. and Adedoyin, A. D: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 1 - 6, 2007

Gordiyenko, V. V. (1971): Concentration of Li, Rb and Cs in potash feldspar and muscovite as criteria for
assessing the rare metal mineralization in granite pegmatites. Internation Geo Review, 13: 134-142.

Jacobson, R. and Webb, S. (1946): The Pegmatites of Central Nigeria. Geological Survey Bulletin. 17:1-73.

King, B. C. and de Swardt, A.M.J. (1949): The Geology of the Osi Area, Ilorin province. Geological Survey of
Nigeria. Bull No. 20.

Kinnaird, J.A. (1984): Contrsating styles of Sn-Nb-Ta-Zn Mineralization in Nigeria. Journal of African Earth
Sciences, 2: No.2:81-90.

Kuster, D. (1990): Rare-metal pegmatites of Wamba, Central Nigeria – Their formation in relation to Late Pan-
African granite. Mineralium Deposita 25: 25-33.

Matheis, G. and Caen-Vachette, M. (1983): Rb – Sr Isotopic metal-bearing and barren pegmatites in the Pan-
African reactivation zone of Nigeria. J. Afri. Earth Sci 1: 35-40

Oyarzabal, J. (2004): Geologica, meneralogia, geoquimica y Petrogenesis de yacimientos pegmatiticas de!

Distrito Totoral, Sierra de San Luis, Argentina. Tesis Doctoral UNC. Cordoba, Argentina.

Received for Publication: 01/05/2007

Accepted for Publication:

Corresponding Author:
Dr. J.I.D. ADEKEYE
Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
E- mail: adekeye2001@yahoo.com

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Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 7 - 13, 2007.
© Wilolud Online Journals, 2007.

GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GABBROIC INTRUSIVE BODIES IN THE SHA-KALERI

YOUNGER GRANITE COMPLEX, CENTRAL NIGERIA.

Daspan, R.I, Yakubu, J.A., and Lar, U.A.

Department of Geology and Mining, University of Jos, Jos-NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT
Large discrete gabbroic intrusive bodies outcrop within the Tof sub-unit of the Sha-Kaleri
Jurassic Younger Granite Complex, situated at the southwestern end of the Jos
Plateau.They were sampled and analysed for their major and trace element compositions
with a view to determining their geochemical characteristics and tectonic setting The
gabbroic rocks co-exist with hybrid rocks of composition in-between the gabbros and the
granite porphyry and the extrusive equivalent basaltic rocks. The rocks are composed
essentially of plagioclase and hornblende with minor pyroxene (titaniferous augite) and
olivine similar to the composition of the co –existing basalts of presumably Cenozoic age.
The gabbros display enrichment in incompatible elements (Rb, Th, U, K, Nb, and Sr)
compared to the Mid Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB). The relatively wide variation in
CaO/TiO2 ratios (3.35 – 7.95) of these gabbros is in good agreement with their formation
by fractional crystallization process. This is further attested to by their wide variations in
incompatible element ratios (Rb/Sr= 0.03-0.32); Zr/Nb=1.03-8.48); Th/U=0.97-1.25) and
U/Pb=0.19-0.47). They also present trace element compositions similar to that of the
Ocean Floor Basalt (OFB) and Jos Plateau Basalts suggesting that they must have been
derived from the same parent mantellic magma.

KEYWORDS : Gabbro,Younger Granites,Basalts,mid-oceanic ridge basalts, Incompatible

elements, ocean ridge basalts.

INTRODUCTION
Gabbroic rocks outcrop in a few Jurassic Younger Granite ring complexes in Nigeria (Macleod et al., 1971).
They make up a minor part (about 1%) of the complex in which they occur. Occurrences of these gabbroic
intrusions have been reported at Kofayi ring complex, northeast of Jos Plateau, at Sara-fier complex, southeast
of Jos Plateau and at Sha-Kaleri complex southwest of the Jos Plateau to mention but a few. The Mama gabbros,
which form the subject of this investigation, outcrop within the Sha-Kaleri complex where the largest volume of
mafic intrusive bodies has been observed. They occur as intrusive or as veined sill-like bodies within the host
granitic rocks. Hybrid rocks of compositions in-between these two rock types do occur. It is however neither
clear if the gabbros predate other granitic rock units nor it is clear as to their origin vis-à-vis the overlying
volcanic equivalent rocks, the Cenozoic basalts. Thus, it is difficult to fix these gabbros in their rightful place as
it relates to the evolution of the Jurassic Younger Granite complexes. This paper therefore attempts to determine
the geochemical characteristics and the origin of these gabbros in comparison with their volcanic equivalent
basaltic rocks in the Sha-Kaleri Younger granite complex.

Geology and Petrography

Sha-Kaleri Younger Granite complex is situated southwest of the Jos Plateau and marks the southern boundary
of the Plateau with the low-lying Paleozoic-Precambrian Basement into which the granites intruded. The
complex is the third largest of all the Younger Granite complexes in Nigeria and occupies a superficial area of
nearly 400 km2. It is sub-divided into three distinct minor complexes, which include from north to the south the
Kaleri, Monguna and Tof sub-complexes ( Figure 1)

The Mama gabbros outcrop within the Tof sub-complex(Figure 1) as several phases of intrusive bodies within
the granite porphyry. At the contact between these gabbros and granite porphyry, the gabbros are net-veined by
the porphyry parallel to the contact. Hybrid rocks probably formed by the assimilation of the gabbroic xenolith
in he granite porphyry magma co-exist.

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 Daspan, R.I et al: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 7 - 13, 2007.

They have poikilitic to subophitic texture but they present similar mineralogical compositions. The only
variation is in the proportion of hornblende and plagioclase the principal visible constituent minerals. Other
minerals such as titaniferous augite occur as accessories together with biotite, olivine and iron oxide in the
hornblende.

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES
Nine rock samples were crushed and milled to less than 125µm powder for geochemical analysis. Only the
following major elements (K2O, MnO, Fe2O3, CaO, TiO2) and trace elements (V, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Br,
Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Th, U) were analyzed. Other major elements especially SiO2 were not analyzed for lack
of facility. The analysis was carried out using the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Flourescence (ED-XRF) technique
at the Centre for Energy, Research and Training (CERT), Zaria. For both major and trace element analyses, the
rock powder was pressed into pellets. The instrument was calibrated using recommended international standards
at each time necessary. The precision and accuracy of the data were lower than 1% for major elements and
0.05% for trace elements.

Geochemical Results
The major and trace element compositions of the gabbros from the study area are presented in Table 1.
Major elements

In general, the rocks present relatively lower concentrations in CaO, Fe2O3, K2O and higher TiO2 compared to
their equivalent volcanic basaltic rocks of the Jos Plateau. For all the rocks put together, the percentages of K2O
vary narrowly (0.72-0.99Wt%) as oppose to the relatively wide variations in the other major elements analysed
(for example, TiO2=0.76-2.30Wt%; CaO=5.72 – 7.61Wt%; Fe2O3=6.01-7.55 Wt%). On the variation plots of
TiO2 Wt%, MnO Wt% and CaO Wt% versus Fe2O3 Wt% (Figures 2-4), the rocks define positive correlations.
Contrarily in K2O Wt% and Fe2O3 Wt% variation diagram (Figure 5 ), the proportions of K2O Wt % do not
seem vary significantly with the increase in that of Fe2O3Wt%. There is however a wide range of variation in
their CaO/TiO2 ratios (3.35-7.95).

Trace elements
The trace element data were displayed in MORB normalized spidergraphs and tectonic discrimination diagrams
of Pearce and Cann, (1973); Winchester and Floyd, (1977); Meschede, (1986) and Pearce, (1975).

In the MORB-normalized spidergraphs, all the rocks display consistent variations in the trace elements, thus
exhibiting similar distribution patterns. Generally, the rocks are enriched in incompatible elements (K, Rb, Th,
U, Nb, Sr and are slightly depleted in High field Strength elements (Zr, Ti and Y) relative to the Mid Oceanic
Ridge Basalts (MORB). Of note are the significant positive anomalies in Th (100-150 x MORB) and U (200-
400 x MORB). In contrast however, samples SG4 and 9 are relatively depleted in Sr as oppose to Y enrichment
in sample SG2 relative to MORB (Figures 6-7).

The gabbros when plotted in the discrimination diagram of Winchester and Floyd, (1977) (Figure 8) fall within
the domain of sub-alkaline to alkaline fields. They plot in the PMORB field in the tectonic discrimination
diagram of Meschede, (1986) (Figure 9). This is further attested to by exhibiting similar characteristics as Ocean
Floor Basalts (OFB) in the log Ti (ppm) versus log Cr (ppm) of Pearce, (1975) (Figure 10) and in the Ti (ppm)
versus Zr (ppm) diagram of Pearce and Cann, (1973) (Figure 11).

DISCUSSION
The variations in the content of CaO, TiO2 and Fe2O3 will here be used since they control the crystallization of
pyroxene and plagioclase, which are the principal constituent minerals in these gabbros. The systematic
progressive increases in the Fe2O3 either with CaO or TiO2 and the relatively wide variations of CaO/TiO2 ratios
(3.35 – 7.95) for all the rocks suggest their formation by fractional crystallization process from the same magma
source. Their relatively significant ranges in the variations of incompatible element ratios (e.g. Rb/Sr=0.03 –
0.32; Zr/Nb=1.03 – 8.48; Th/U=0.97 – 1.25; and U/Pb=0.19 – 0.47) further support this assertion.

By their characteristic enrichment in incompatible elements relative to compatible elements they are comparable
to the co-existing extrusive equivalent basaltic rocks of the Jos Plateau (Lar and Tsalha, 2005). They however
differ from the Jos Plateau basalts by their relatively lower percentages in Fe2O3 and CaO, and higher tenors in
TiO2. This is understandable only if these gabbros are the products of the differentiation of the same magma
from which these basalts were also derived ab-initio. Compared to the Mid Oceanic Ridge Basalts (MORB),

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 Daspan, R.I et al: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 7 - 13, 2007.

they differ by their relative enrichment in the incompatible elements (K, Rb, Th, U, Nb, Sr). The composition of
the gabbros in Zr, Nb, Y and TiO2 is indicative of their alkaline nature (Winchester and Floyd, 1977), which is
further attested to by their strong positive anomalies in Nb, Th and U. While most of these gabbros display
Zr/Nb ratios between 1.07 and 5.48 suggesting their derivation from sources akin to those of the Ocean Floor
alkaline Basalts (OFB), few of them display relatively higher ratios (6.89 – 8.48) also suggesting an origin
similar to that of the enriched mantle Oceanic Island Basalts (EM OIB). However, these higher Zr/Nb ratios can
be explained either by fractionation of these elements or by the interaction of the slow cooling gabbroic magma
within the continent.

CONCLUSION
From the data presented and the discussions that followed, the following conclusions can be reached;
The gabbros display geochemical characteristics identical to that of the extrusive alkaline basalts of Jos Plateau
suggesting a derivation from the similar parent magma. They however differ by their relatively lower
concentrations in Fe2O3 and CaO, and higher concentrations in TiO2.

They represent essentially the product of the fractional crystallization of the same parent mantle magma from
where the Basalts of the Jos Plateau were derived.
Compared to Mid Oceanic Ridge Basalts (MORB), the gabbros display relative enrichment in incompatible
elements (K, Rb, Th, U, Nb, Sr).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We wish to acknowledge Mr Anzaku Charles Ovyeh and Mr Bulus Azi who helped during the field mapping
and sample collection. The centre for energy research and training, Zaria is duly acknowledged for geochemical
analysis of the samples. Goki Nathan is acknowledged for preparation of maps and figures.

We acknowledged anonymous reviewers for their comments which greatly improved the original quality of the
work.

REFERENCES
Lar, U.A. and Tsalha, M.S. (2005) Geochemical characteristics of the Jos Plateau Basalts, North central Nigeria.
Global Journal of Geological Sciences. 3 (2): 187-193.

Macleod, W. N. Turner, D.C. and Wright, E. P. (1971): The Geology of Jos-Plateau, Vo.1 General Geology.
Geol. Surv. Of Nigeria. Bull N0. 32.

Meschede, M., (1986): A method of discriminating between different types of Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts and
continental tholeiites with the Nb-Zr-Y diagram. Chemical Geology.56:207-217.

Pearce, J. A., (1975): Basalt geochemistry used to investigate past tectonic environments in Cyprus.
Tectonophysics. 25:41-67.

Pearce, J. A. and Cann, J.R (1973): Tectonic setting of basic volcanic rocks determined using trace elements
analyses. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 19:290-300.

Winchester, J.A and Floyd, P.A (1977).Geochemical discrimination of different magma series and their
differentiation products using immobile elements.Chemical Geology. 20:325-43.

Received for Publication: 12/07/2007

Accepted for Publication: 07/09/2007

Corresponding Author:
Daspan, R.I.
Department of Geology and Mining, University of Jos, Jos-NIGERIA.

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 Daspan, R.I et al: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 7 - 13, 2007.

MONG UNA

BOKKOS
#
LEGEND
Stu dy area

Rock types
Tertiary & Quat ernary Basa lts

Arfve dsonite Gran ite

Rie b-Bio tite Gra nite/ Po rp hyry

SHA-K ALERI
Biotite Microgra nite

Biotite Granite Ra yfie ld -G typ

Biotite Granite Ng el type

Biotite Granite Jos t ype

Horn. -Pyrox- Fa yalite Gra nite

Horn. Bio tit e Gra nite Porp hyry

Late Rh yolite

Ea rly Rh yo lite Tuff & Agglom.

TOF
SHA RW A I Mam a Gabb ro D olerit e

Und if fere ntited Basem en t

Fig. 1 G eological Map of Shakaleri Younger Granite Complex Showing S tudy Area (After Macleod et al 1971)

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Daspan, R.I et al: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 7 - 13, 2007.

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 Daspan, R.I et al: Continental J. Earth Scieces 2: 7 - 13, 2007.

Table 1:Major (wt.%) and Trace element (ppm) compositions of Mama Gabbros.

Major Elements(wt.%) Trace Elements (ppm) Element Ratios

K2O CaO TiO2 MnO Fe2O3 V Cr Co Ni Cu Zn As Pb Br Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Th U CaO/TiO2 Zr/Nb Th/U U/Pb Rb/Sr
SG- 1 0.84 6.04 0.76 0.15 6.01 910 589 258 200 120 772 56.3 82 18 31 180 12 60 13.3 7.30 26 22.4 7.95 4.51 1.2 0.27 0.17
SG -2 0.99 4.72 1.48 0.10 7.55 802 563 439 145 108 13.6 49.1 70.7 23.1 26 299 40 30 28 9.27 23 18.4 3.19 1.07 1.3 0.26 0.09
SG -3 0.91 6.30 1.10 0.12 7.21 881 572 370 190 120 73 62.3 88.4 20.1 15 230 13 59 7.00 7.20 21 17 5.73 8.43 1.2 0.19 0.07
SG -4 0.72 7.73 2.31 0.08 5.10 987 565 238 201 105 64.7 44.7 63.9 16.2 13 57 13 38 6.96 6.85 26 26.6 3.35 5.46 1 0.42 0.23
SG – 5 0.91 6.29 1.05 0.21 7.21 881 572 368 190 119 72.8 62.3 88.4 20.1 15 228 13 59 6.96 8.27 21 16.9 5.99 8.48 1.2 0.19 0.07
SG -6 0.99 5.72 1.28 0.10 7.00 802 563 542 246 103 186 49.1 70.7 23.1 26 300 30 60 58 8.27 23 30.2 4.47 1.03 0.8 0.43 0.09
SG -7 0.83 7.51 2.00 0.08 6.08 987 565 238 201 225 64.7 44.7 63.9 16.2 13 57 13 48 6.96 7.85 27 26.6 3.76 6.89 1 0.42 0.23
SG -8 0.98 7.61 1.19 0.08 7.25 945 684 480 144 115 122 49 71.7 30 54 167 19 41 13.5 6.42 22 17.3 6.39 3.04 1.3 0.24 0.32
SG -9 0.84 6.04 0.76 0.15 6.01 945 684 480 144 115 122 49 69.1 16.4 54 167 19 41 13.5 6.40 22 17.3 7.95 3.04 1.3 0.25 0.32

13
Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.
© Wilolud Online Journals, 2007.

MATURITY AND PROVENANCE OF THE ALBIAN BIMA SANDSTONE IN WURO-DOLE AND

ENVIRONS, YOLA ARM, NIGERIA.

Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I.

Department of Geology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT
Bima Sandstone at Wuro-Dole and environs was studied for its level of maturity and
source area (provenance). In evaluating its textual maturity and provenance, field
mapping was carried out and representative samples were subjected to physico-
chemical and mineralogical analyses. The sandstone consists of some primary
sedimentary structures:cross-beddings and ripple marks. Strike measurements of these
primary structures plotted on current rose diagrams indicated SSE-NNW and NE-
SW/NW-SE directions. The Bima Sandstone is averagely made up of medium
grained, poorly-sorted, fine skewed and very leptokurtic, angular sandy sediments.
Petrographic study revealed about 57.3% quartz, 18.8% feldspar, 3.5% mica, 10.5%
rock fragment, 5.1% cement, 2.4% heavy minerals, and 2.5% matrix. On the basis of
framework composition of quartz, feldspar and mica + rock fragment, the sandstones
of Wuro-Dole were grouped as lithic subarkose with a few of lithic arkose variety.
They are generally immature. Concentrations of major oxides include SiO2 (75.9%),
Al2O3 (14.2%), Fe2O3 (4.6%), Cao (0.6%), MgO (0.16%), Na2O (1.2%), MnO
(0.12%), TiO2 (0.14%), and K2O (2.6%). These geochemical results further validate
that of mineralogical analysis in that the sandstone consists mainly of SiO2, Al2O3,
Na2O and K2O which is reflection of the presence of quartz and feldspar. Heavy
mineral separation showed that the Bima Sandstone is made up of rutile, zircon,
tourmaline, sphene, staurolite, sillimanite, and apatite; these heavy mineral
assemblages are indicative of mainly felsic igneous and high grade metamorphic
rocks. Granite and gneiss suites of both Southeastern and North Central Basement
Complexes of Nigeria have been suggested as the probable source areas of the Bima
Sandstone.

KEYWORDS: Maturity, Provenance, Bima Sandstone, Yola Arm, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION
Sedimentary rocks possess three basic properties- mineral composition, texture, and structures that are
traceable to their source area(s) and environment(s) of deposition. The main objective of provenance study
is to deduce the characteristics of the source area(s) from measurements of compositional and textural
properties of sediments supplemented by information from other lines of evidence such as directional
sedimentary structures. Textural maturity is an important key to the physical nature of the environment of
deposition (Palaeogeography), since it provides a descriptive scale that indicates the effectiveness of the
environment in winnowing, sorting and abrading the detritus furnished to it (Folk, 1968).

The Bima Sandstone has been widely studied by many workers such as Falconer (1911), Raeburn and
Brynmor (1934), Barber et al (1954), Jones (1962), Carter et al (1963), Reyment (1965), Offodile (1989),
Ojo (1999), Braide (1992a and 1992b). Most of these works are based on the Chad Basin, Upper Benue
Trough, and Middle Benue Trough where the Bima Sandstone outcrops, but not much has been done on its
provenance. The intent of this sedimentary provenance and maturity study is to reconstruct and interpret the
history of the sediments from the initial erosion of the parent rocks to the final burial of the detritus of the
Albian Bima Sandstone in Wuro-Dole and Environs using both field evidences and laboratory analyses-

14
 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

particularly the heavy minerals separation method. The study area is located in the vicinity of latitudes 90
17’ 45” to 90 23’ 00”N and Longitudes 120 35’ 30” to 120 41’00”E (Fig. 1). This covers a surface area of
about 102 square kilometres.

REGIONAL GEOLOGY OF THE YOLA ARM

The Yola Arm is the east-west extension of the Upper Benue Trough that connects the Nigerian basins to
other rifts in Africa to form a network of West Africa rift systems (Benkhelli, 1989). Sedimentation
generally started in the Upper Benue Trough during the 4 Albian when a great thickness of continental
sands and clays-the Bima Sandstone- was deposited unconformable on the Precambrian crystalline
basement rocks (Carter et al 1963; Offodile, 1989; Ojo, 1999). This was followed by a marine transgression
that occurred during the Cenomanian leading to the deposition of transitional beds of sandstones and
alternating mudstones and shelly limestones of the Yolde Formation. These passed upwards into a
predominantly marine sequence of Turonian-Senonian age. This marine sequence is made up of Jessu
Formation, Sekule Formation and Numanha Shale in the Yola Arm; while their lateral equivalents of
Gongila and Pindiga Formations were deposited in the Gongola Basin.Continental conditions resumed in
the Maastrichtian and resulted in the deposition of the Lamja Sandstone in the Yola Basin while Gombe
Sandstone was deposited in the Gongola Basin (Table 1).

The Bima Sandstone was named by Falconer (1911) as the oldest formation occurring at the base of the
sedimentary successions in the Upper Benue Trough. Guiraud (1990) described it as the basal unit
reflecting the syn-tectonic deposition of sediments as the basin evolved. It is generally extensive and forms
ridges and sometimes flat-lying. It stretches to other bounding basins- the Middle Benue Trough to the
south-west and the Chad Basin to the north east. Its thickness ranges from 100-3,000m (Offodile, 1989). It
is subdivided into 3 parts namely: the Lower Bima Sandstone (B1), the Middle Bima Sandstone (B2) and
the Upper Bima Sandstone (B3) (Carter et al 1963: Offodile, 1989). The Lower Bima Sandstone (B1) is
made up of about 400m thick of sandstones and argillaceous rocks. It is the basal unit of the Bima
Sandstone sequence and is not exposed in any part of the entire Upper Benue Trough. The Middle Bima
Sandstone (B2) comprises about 800m thick of coarse-grained sandstone with clays and shales, while the
Upper Bima Sandstone (B3) is generally the thickest, consisting of about 1,700m of coarse sandstones.
Carter et al (1963) assigned Upper Albian to Lower Turonian age to the Bima Sandstone. The Upper Bima
Sandstone that outcrops in the study area is the main subject of this present study. It is overlain by the
Yolde Formation.

The Yolde Formation is made up of a variable sequence of sandstones and shales that marks the transition
from continental to marine sedimentation. The sandstone occurrence is suggestive of a beach environment
(Opeloye and Obaje, 2005). It is dated as Lower Turonian (Carter et al 1963). The Dukul Formation
overlies the Yolde Formation and it is composed of a sequence of shales and thin limestones. The limestone
is highly fossiliferous- containing mainly ammonites (vascoceratids) that have been used to date it as lower
Turonian (Carter et al 1963; Ehinola et al 2005). The Jessu Formation consists of alternating sequence of
grey, white and brown shales and light brown, sandy mudstones with subordinate sandstones. An Upper
Turonian age is assigned to it from its fossil evidence (Carter et al 1963). A sequence of shales and
limestones succeeds the Jessu Formation, and this sequence is termed as Sekule Formation. It is similar to
the Dukul Formation and it is also fossiliferous. An Upper Turonian to Santonian age has been assigned to
it. The Numanha Formation marks the end of the marine conditions and it is made up of black shales with
occasional bands of sandstone, nodular mudstone and limestone. The stratigraphic succession of the Yola
Arm terminates with the deposit of clastic Lamja Sandstone. It consists of parallel laminated sandstone
with interbeds of thin limestone, coal seams and fossiliferous shale. A Campanian age is assigned to it. The
central axis of the rifted basin is lined with Tertiary magmatism such as the Biliri phonolites, Longuda
basalts, and Ngurore columnar joints that extruded the Cretaceous
sediments (Cater et al 1963).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A dual phase data acquisition methodology was adopted- field mapping exercise and laboratory techniques.

15
 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

Field practice/study: This is a practice in geologic research work targeted at describing the rock types and
structural features. Both systematic and random sampling methods were used in this study. The field study
involved a detailed field mapping on a scale 1:10,000 and the observed rock types were described in terms
of colour, grain size, grain shape, mineralogical composition, etc. A Global Positioning system (G.P.S.)
was used for accurate sample location. Orientations of structural features such as beddings (cross-beddings
and ripple marks) were systematically measured and mapped. Good exposures were logged (6 lithologic
profiles) and drawn to scale (Fig. 2a and b). Well-labeled representative rock samples were obtained for
laboratory analyses. Readings of azimuths of planar structures were fed into stereostat software
(www.rockware.com) that generated rose diagrams.

Laboratory Techniques: The representative samples obtained were subjected to granulometric, thin section
(Petrographic), heavy minerals separation and geochemical analyses. Extraction of provenance related
information from sediment grain size distributions as discussed by Weltje and Prins (2003) was adopted in
this study.

Granulometric Analysis: Fifteen (15) sandstone samples were air dried and carefully disaggregated in a
mortar by a rubber-padded pestle to obtain about 100grams of the disaggregated sample. The 100grams of
each disaggregated sample was weighed out using the Harvard Trip digital balance and sieved by means of
a set of U.S. standard sieves using the Ro-tap electro-mechanical sieve shaker ( M-Tyler) for 15 minutes.
Samples retained in each sieve were weighed and their corresponding frequencies and cumulative
frequencies obtained. Cumulative frequency curves were plotted. Statistical parameters (graphic mean,
standard deviation, inclusive graphic skewness, and kurtosis) were computed (Table 2) using formulae
proposed by Folk and Ward (1957).

Thin section (Petrographic) Analysis: Twenty (20) samples were selected for thinsection analysis. The thin-
section preparation was based on methods described by Ireland (1971). Both friable and consolidated
samples were used; the friable samples were initially impregnated prior to cutting, in order to harden the
samples. The samples were each mounted with polished side on a glass slide using Canada balsam. The
mounted sample was ground initially with a coarse abrasive and later with sludge of fine abrasive on a
glass until the slide was fine or thin enough for individual mineral identification. The prepared thin sections
were examined under a flat stage Petrographic microscope for minerals identification and their modal
composition determined by point-counting. Mineral identification was based on its optical properties
outlined in basic optical mineralogical texts.

Heavy Minerals Separation Analysis: This involved the selective analysis of specific minerals- the heavy
minerals that are resistant to the physico-chemical alteration resulting from weathering, transportation,
deposition and diagenesis. Each air-dried samples was passed through a forty-mesh (U.S standard sieve,
420 microns or 0.42mm) brass screens onto clean weighing paper. The fraction of each sample smaller than
420 microns (medium sand and smaller on the Wentworth scale) was then washed in distilled water to
remove the fine fractions. About 15g of each sample were separated using standard bromoform heavy
liquid techniques. The heavy mineral grains were washed, dried, and mounted on glass slides using Canada
balsam. Mineral grains in the heavies were identified by standard petrographic techniques (Tickel, 1965)
using a polarizing light microscope (M-Meiji). The percentage of the heavy minerals in each sample was
determined by counting 150 to 250 grains per samples using a gridded microscope slide.

Geochemical Analysis: Selected representative samples were subjected to a geochemical analysis of

sediment whole-rock composition using Atomic Absorption Spectrometric (AAS) method. This involved
sample crushing (pulverizing), powdering and disintegration using acids (concentrated Hydrogen Fluoride
and Boric acids). This was followed by measurement of major elemental composition using AAS machine.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Textual Properties of the Bima Sandstone

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 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

Results and interpretations of the grain size analysis are presented in Table 2. The calculated graphic mean
size of the sandstones varies from 0.16Φ to 2.21Φ (coarse- to fine-grained) with an average mean size of
1.24Φ (medium grained). Standard deviation is a measure of sorting. The standard deviation ranges from
0.98Φ to 1.77Φ (moderately to poorly- sorted) with an average of 1.39Φ, poorly sorted sandstones.
Inclusive graphic skewness of the sandstones varies from -0.16 to 0.58 (coarse skewed to strongly fine
skewed) with an average of 0.07 indicating fine skewed. Kurtosis ranges from 0.6 to 3.4 with an average of
1.61; these imply that they are very platykurtic to extremely leptokurtic and on the average very leptokurtic
respectively. Results of the grain size analysis (Table 2) show that these sandstones are about 53% medium
grained and 33% coarse grained, suggesting deposition under a high-energy environment. About 93% of
the sediments are poorly sorted, an indication of fluctuating depositional currents (Tucker, 1988). This
poorly- sorting may also be as a result variable current velocity and sediments deposition close to their
source area.

Mineralogical Composition of the Bima Sandstone

The results of petrographic study carried out on 20 sandstone samples of the Bima Sandstone are presented
in Table 3. This study revealed that the sandstones are averagely made up of about 57.3% quartz, 18.8%
feldspar, 3.5% mica, 10.5% rock fragments, 2.4% heavy minerals, 5.1% cement, and 2.5% matrix. The
relatively high SiO2 (average 75.9%), Al2O3 (average 14.2%), K2O (2.6%), and Na2O (1.2%) indicated
by the geochemical analysis (Table 4) confirms the presence of quartz and feldspar as the main mineral
component, while the occurrence of Fe2O3 (average 4.6%) is suggestive of the ferroginized nature of some
of the sandstones. The cementing material is mainly siliceous (quartz) and occasionally iron oxide mineral.
The grains are mainly sub-angular to angular, medium to coarse grained, and moderately to poorly- sorted.
On the basis of classification of sandstones using framework composition of quartz (Q), feldspar (F), and
rock fragment + mica (L) on a ternary diagram (Fig 3a); the Bima Sandstone is grouped as lithic sub-arkose
with a few samples indicating lithic arkose (McBride, 1963).

DISCUSSION
Maturity of the Bima Sandstone
Weltje and Von Eynatten (2004) reported that chemical alteration and mechanical break down of source
rocks followed by sorting of particles during transport and deposition, lead to preferential enrichment of
specific materials in certain grain-size fractions and hence sediments composition tends to be a function of
grain size. Therefore, suitable analytical approaches to sediment provenance also depend on grain size. The
grain sizes of the Bima sandstone range from medium to coarse (Table 2) is indicative of deposition under
a relatively high energy of flow and a probable short distance of transportation as evidenced from a
relatively abundance of feldspar – a less stable mineral – in the Bima Sandstone. The angular to sub-
angular shape of the Bima Sandstone is an indication of a short distance of transportation or closeness to
the source area. The mineralogical and textual properties are the diagnostic parameters used in the
determination of sediment maturity (Pettijohn, 1984). The appreciable concentration of feldspar (Table 3),
the dominance of sub-angular to angular shape (Fig. 4), and the poorly sorted nature of the sandstones of
the study area, all suggest that they are both texturally and mineralogically immature. The ternary diagram
(Fig. 3a) clearly depicts that over 80% of the sandstone facies in the study area are lithic sub-arkose while
others are sub-arkose and lithic arkose. A formula adopted by Hubbert (1962) as a measure of maturity
index (i.e. Z.T.R. Index) was applied to these sandstones, giving an average mode of 54% (Table 5);
corresponding to immature sediments.

Provenance: Measurement of palaeocurrent is a vital part of the study of sedimentary provenance,

current/wind direction(s) and palaeogeography. Sedimentary structures prominent in the Bima Sandstone in
Wuro Dole and environs include imbricate structures and beddings (cross-beddings, planar cross-beddings,
trough cross-beddings, ripple marks, etc) (Fig. 2a and b). The planar cross-bedding was used in the
determination of palaeocurrent direction for the Bima Sandstone and it corresponds to the direction of
maximum angle of dip, while the asymmetry of the ripples gives the palaeocurrent direction. Strike
measurements imputed into the package stereostat generated current rose diagrams (Fig. 5) showing that
the ancient current directions were mainly SSE-NNW for the cross-bedding and NE-SW/NW-SE for the

17
 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

ripple marks respectively. These current rose diagrams showed a strong preferred orientation, with most of
the azimuths falling in quadrants with clearly defined modes. The rose diagrams indicate a unimodal to
bimodal pattern, that is, the sediments were probably supplied from one or two source areas respectively.
The palaeocurrent pattern exhibited by the sandstones of Wuro-Dole and environs shows that the sediments
were sourced mainly from the south eastern part and partly from the southwestern part of the study area.

Microscopic examination of the heavy minerals contained in the sandstones of the study area revealed both
opaque and non-opaque minerals (Table 5) and (Fig. 4C and D). The opaque mineral is made up of about
19.6% while the non-opaque minerals consist of about 20.6% zircon, 11.6% rutile, 13.0% tourmaline,
10.4% apatite, 8.6% sillimanite, 4.9% staurolite and 11.4% sphene. According to Friedman and Sanders
(1978), and Pettijohn (1984), these heavy mineral assemblages in any sandstone suggest a probable igneous
and metamorphic parent rocks. They have shown that the occurrences of zircon, tourmaline, apatite, and
sphene suggest a felsic igneous source while rutile is indicative of mafic igneous origin. The kyanite,
sillimanite, and staurolite are evidence of high grade metamorphic source. The sandstones consist of both
monocrystalline and polycrystalline quartz aggregates, but the monocrystalline is dominant; this is
suggestive of a probable granitic origin. The results of the geochemical analysis (Table 4) revealed that the
Bima Sandstones consist of relatively high SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O, and CaO; these suggest a quartz and
feldspar-rich source area.

A comparative overview of the framework composition of the sandstone with the work of Dickinson et al
(1983) on QFL ternary diagrams (Fig. 3b) showed that some of the sandstones are of a recycled origen
(provenance). Considering the regional geology of the study area, the Older Granites and the Migmatite-
gneiss complex of the South Eastern Basement (Umeji, 1988) as well as those of the North central
Basement Complexes (Oyawoye, 1972) are probable source areas of the Bima Sandstone at Wuro Dole and
environs.

CONCLUSIONS
Bima Sandstone outcropping at Wuro-Dole and environs was mapped and studied for its textural
characteristics and mineralogical compositions in order to establish maturity and provenance for it. The
geological mapping exercise revealed that the study area is made up of medium grained, poorly-sorted,
cross-bedded and ripple-marked sandstones. The sandstones, which are generally immature, have colour
range from white to reddish-brown; the reddish brown is evidenced from the relatively high iron oxide
content in some sandstones.

Mineralogically, it is composed of mainly quartz, feldspar, mica, rock fragments and heavy mineral
assemblages –rutile, zircon, tourmaline, sphene, apatite, sillimanite, and staurolite. The sandstones have
been classified as lithic sub-arkose and a few lithic arkose. They are characterized by a relatively high
concentration of SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, and Fe2O3, while other oxides (MgO, MnO, and TiO2) are relatively
low. Palaeocurrent plots based on the strike measurements of the associated cross-beddings and ripple
marks showed NNW – SSE and NE – SW/NW – SE directions respectively. A combination of the texture,
geochemical analysis, mineralogical composition, palaeocurrent pattern and the heavy mineral
assemblages; was used to suggest the Older Granite and Gneiss suites of Southeastern and North –Central
Basement Complexes as the provenance for the Bima Sandstone at Wuro Dole and environs.

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 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

50 E 100 E 140 E

130N

Yola 100 N

50N
0 200km

120 35’ 30’’E 120 41’E

90 23’N
90 23’ 00” N

Garin Buba 700

19
Girei
21 W uro Dole
58
18
20 ORIE Pariya

24
40
16 OVE Digino Ngarawo
30
44
31
16OBA
28 Wuro Mallum
57 600
46 OVE
35 5OBA

26 Wuro Juba
1500
47 7

38
13 W uro Abba
N

56
1500 Jambutu

8 55

54
48

Nassarawo
49

52

53
50 OVE 1000 Lugga
1500

51

90 17’ 45’’N R. Benue 9 0 17’45”N

120 35’ 30”E
120 41’00”E
1 0 1 2km
Key
Footpath River

Minor road
Settlement

100
Cotour Line Sample location
5

Fig. 1: Location Map showing Wuro Dole and Environs (inset: Map of Nigeria indicating study area)

AGE FORMATION LITHOLOGY DESCRIPTION

A B
I Medium-coarse grained, yellowish, poorly-sorted sandstone
M
L A
Coarse grained, flat-bedded, yellowish, poorly-sorted Sandstone
- with some clayey intercalations
B Fine-medium grained, whitish brown, moderately well-sorted Sandstone contain some
clay, inclusions
S Coarse grained, cross-bedded reddish-brown moderately sorted
A Sandstone
I N Medium grained, cross-bedded reddish brown moderately well
sorted sandstone
D
S
A Fine-medium grained, whitish, poorly sorted sandstone
T
Medium grained, white to brown, moderately sorted sandstone
O
N
N E Coarse grained, brownish, poorly sorted sandstone

1m

f m c
0

Fig. 2A: Lithologic section of the Bima Sandstone showing its characteristic beddings observed at location
16 OVE of study area.

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 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

16OBA

50OVE
16OVE

KEY
Fine grained Ripple marked
Sandstone

Cross-bedded, medium-
5OBA
coarse grained Sandstone
20ORIE
46OVE
Flat-bedded, -coarse
grained Sandstone

Fine grained Sandstone

Medium-Coarse grained
1m Sandstone
Fig. 2B: Lithostratigraphic Sections of the Bima Sandstone Outcropping at Wuro Dole and Environ (Locations,
0 f m c 160BA, 5OBA, 16OVE, 50OVE, 46OVE, and 20ORIE)

Quartz arenite
Q
5 5 Q
3
Craton interior
S
e

u
os

b
-lit
rk

Lithic sub-arkose
h
-A

18 Provenance Categories
ic
ub

25 25
are
S

Continental Block
n

Transitional/Continental
Recycled
ite

Magmatic arc
Orogenic
Recycled orogen

45
L

50 50
e

ith

Decreasing maturity
os

or stability
ic
rk

Basement
A

A
re

Uplift Dissected 37
ni

Arc
te

* 25
Transitional
Arc

Lithic Arkose Feldspathic Lith arenite 13

Undissected
F Arc

10 25 50 25 10 L F 15 50 L
Fig. 3b: QFL diagram showing fields of the three
Fig. 3a: Framework Composition of Sandstone within the
main provenance types and selected subfields
Study Area on a Ternary Diagram
(Dickinson et al 1983)

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Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

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 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

Table 3: Mineralogical Composition of some selected sandstones of Wuro –Dole and Environs

Sample Quartz Feldspar Mica Heavy Rock Cement Matrix

Number (%) (%) (%) Minerals Fragment (%) (%)
(%) (%)
L13a 60 15 2 5 10 5 3
L40 60 17 1 - 16 5 1
L31 50 17 4 2 13 10 4
L50 45 22 4 - 15 10 4
L18b 60 17 1 6 10 5 1
L21 55 17 7 5 3 10 3
L8 60 19 4 5 5 5 2
L28c 60 19 4 2 7 5 1
L30 60 22 4 3 10 2 2
L38 60 15 4 2 12 5 2
L13 60 16 2 4 12 3 3
L16 45 24 6 2 16 5 2
L24 52 20 4 - 16 6 2
L33 62 16 2 3 12 3 2
L45 60 24 4 1 6 4 1
L49 60 22 - 2 12 2 2
L5 62 18 3 1 10 2 4
L52 60 16 4 1 10 3 6
L16 54 18 8 2 5 10 3
L38 60 22 2 2 9 2 2
Average 57.3 18.8 3.5 2.4 10.5 5.1 2.5

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 Etobro, A. A. I. and Ejeh, O. I: Continental J. Earth Sciences 2: 14 - 24, 2007.

Received for Publication: 18/11/2007

Accepted for Publication: 15/12/2007

Corresponding Author:
Etobro, A. A. I.
Department of Geology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1, Abraka, Nigeria.
E-mail: aaietobro@yahoo.co.nz

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