Clay mineral: A case study of its potentialities in selected parts of Kaduna State of Nigeria

The discovery of industrial minerals by man has been of immense value from time immemorial. Clay as a product of disintegration of felspathic rock has been a viable mineral that exhibit high economic significance and usefulness that affects every spheres of life. This paper examine the significance of clay mineral as a principal raw materials used for ceramic manufacture such as structural, refractories, and whitewares products in Nigeria and especially some clay mineral locations in Kaduna State of Nigeria. It aimed at taking inventory of clay mineral deposit and the productive activities they are subjected to towards socio-economic development and capacity building in Kaduna State. Field surveys was carried out to gather relevant information through physical examination of raw materials, product evaluation and open-ended oral interview at two clay industries at Mararaba-Rido and Jacaranda both located at Kaduna South Local Government Area in Nigeria. The knowledge of the clay reserves and their potentialities unveiled the significance and prospects of the abundant ceramic manufacturing potentials in the country if the mineral is properly explored and harnessed.