eng Science and Education Publishing American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 2328-3998 2025-11-19 13 6 130 139 10.12691/ajcea-13-6-2 AJCEA20251362 article Moses Ogbochi Ogar mosesogbochiogar1@gmail.com 1 Abiodun Ogunjinmi 2 Alfred Navokhi Apaji 3 Akinwole Ifeoluwa Emmanuel 3 Joshua Dan Oroshioshemeh 4 Mineral Processing Department, National Metallurgical Development Center, Jos, Nigeria Materials Science and Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Department, University at Albany, State University of New York, Suny City Central Group of Company 15 Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria 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. https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajcea/13/6/2/ajcea-13-6-2.pdf Marble construction mineralogical mechanical porosity density