Mineralogy and Geochemical Composition of Laterites in Ikere-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Laterite, which result from intense weathering in tropical and subtropical regions, are essential foragriculture, construction and environmental management. This study seek to investigate themineralogical and geochemical properties of lateritic soils in Ikere-Ekiti, southwestern Nigeria. Fieldrelationship reflects intense weathering activities with preponderance of minerals like kaolinite.Representative lateritic soil samples were systematically collected from various locations within Ikere-Ekiti. The field investigation involved assessing the soil‘s color, texture, and structural attributes.Subsequently, the samples underwent laboratory analysis, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD) formineralogical composition and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for geochemicalcharacterization. The findings reveals that these soils contains (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and K2O).Mineralogical composition of the laterite using X-ray diffraction studies reveals the essential mineralswhich are quartz, orthoclase, and muscovite. The laterite contains quartz (ranging from 55%-69%; ca.62%); orthoclase (ranging from 1.6%-13%; ca. 8%); and muscovite (ranging from 0.3%-15%; ca.7.46%). Analytical results shows the laterite contain SiO2 (ranging from 51.22%-56.3%; ca. 54.19%);Al2O3 (ranging from 18.55%-24.18%; ca. 20.64); Fe2O3 (ranging from 3.45%-11.98%; ca. 9.16) andK2O (ranging from 2.04%-4.33%; ca. 3.06). Geochemical indicators suggests extensive weatheringcharacterized by significant silica and base leaching. The study concludes that the laterites in Ikere-Ekitihave significant mineralogical and geochemical properties that make them suitable for variousapplications, including construction and industrial uses. Their composition also suggests potential forfurther studies on economic mineral extraction and soil fertility assessment.