Geological, Chemical, and Mechanical Appraisal of Itobe Marble for Advanced Construction Materials

Moses Ogbochi Ogar^1, , Abiodun Ogunjinmi², Alfred Navokhi Apaji³, Akinwole Ifeoluwa Emmanuel² and Joshua Dan Oroshioshemeh⁴

¹Mineral Processing Department, National Metallurgical Development Center, Jos, Nigeria

²Materials Science and Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

³Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Department, University at Albany, State University of New York, Suny

⁴City Central Group of Company 15 Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria

Cite this paper:
Moses Ogbochi Ogar, Abiodun Ogunjinmi, Alfred Navokhi Apaji, Akinwole Ifeoluwa Emmanuel and Joshua Dan Oroshioshemeh. Geological, Chemical, and Mechanical Appraisal of Itobe Marble for Advanced Construction Materials. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2025; 13(6):130-139. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-13-6-2

Abstract

This study provides a thorough geological, chemical, and mechanical assessment of the Itobe marble deposit in central Nigeria, with the objective of clarifying its viability as a sustainable resource for high-quality construction materials. The research, which incorporates mineralogical analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), density and porosity measurements, as well as mechanical testing, identifies calcite as the predominant mineral component, exhibiting negligible impurities. Chemical assays verify a substantial calcium carbonate content, correlating the deposit's composition with recognized requirements for cement manufacturing. Physical analyses reveal minimal porosity and a dense interior structure, suggesting restricted permeability and favorable durability attributes. The mechanical evaluation, including Vickers hardness and strength testing, highlights the marble's advantageous load-bearing capability and durability against surface damage, establishing it as a strong contender for cement production and direct use in structural elements. The positive geological, chemical and mechanical properties combine to make Itobe marble a strategic local material that is suitable for the Nigerian construction industry and may therefore be one of the choices for the development and move towards resource-efficient and sustainable material alternatives. This holistic study sets a reference for the better use of local marble in advanced civil construction.

Keywords:
Marble construction mineralogical mechanical porosity density

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