Field and Petrographic Studies of Basement Complex Rocks in Saigbe and Environs, North-Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Geological mapping and petrographic studies of rocks provide useful information on texture and mineralogical composition of rocks which can be used in the exploration and exploitation of any associated mineralization. However, few regional studies have been conducted in Minna and environs. Here, preliminary field mapping and petrography of out crops in Saigbe environ were conducted to determine their identification, structural and mineralogical composition. Twenty-one rock samples were collected, eight of which were used for thin section analysis. Joint directions were measured and plotted on rose diagram. Results show that Saigbe is underlain by schist, amphibolite and granite with minor pegmatite intrusions. Joints, faults, fold and foliations constitute main structures. Joints in the schists trend NE-SW, while those in the granites trend NW-SE, suggesting different episodes of emplacement for both rocks. Petrography revealed that the schists comprised quartz, biotite, muscovite, plagioclase and opaque mineral, while the amphibolites are composed largely of quartz, hornblende, plagioclase feldspar and opaque minerals. The granites are composed of quartz, microcline, plagioclase feldspar, muscovite and opaque minerals. The pegmatite dykes in the granites comprised quartz, plagioclase feldspar, orthoclase feldspar, muscovite and gemstones, hence interpreted as product of residual melt. The pegmatites make interesting target for mineral exploration.