The present study investigates the geochemical, mineralogical, morphological and physical properties of Gidicho bentonite deposits to determine its grade and quality using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and physical tests. The XRD and FTIR results reveal that Gidicho bentonite consists of Ca-montmorillonite with minor kaolinite, quartz and feldspar minerals. SEM image shows spongy and flaky structures stacked together to form agglomerates. The geochemical results suggest that the bentonite was formed by a moderate degree of weathering in arid and semi-arid environments. Na2O/CaO ratio indicate non-swelling bentonite with tolerable quality and grade. The physical characteristics show that 77 meq 100 g−1 cation exchange capacity, 17.1 ml 2 g−1 swelling index with 30.1% optimum moisture. Bulk density and specific gravity ranges from 1.64–1.67 g cm−3 and 2.23-2.4 g cm−3, respectively. The overall results revealed that the Gidicho bentonite can be used for many industrial applications with appropriate beneficiation methods.
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