The geology and petrography of Dangkang and environs, Kanke lga, North-central Nigeria, (Wase sheet 191 NW)

Abstract

A detailed geologic survey was conducted in Dangkang and its environs, located between latitude 09⁰ 16' 00" N to 09⁰ 18' 00" N and longitude 09⁰ 43' 00" E to 09⁰ 46' 30" E within Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State North-central Nigeria. Field studies on the rocks revealed the presence of migmatite and porphyritic biotite granite as primary rocks intruded by minor intrusions of Pegmatites and dolerites. Petrographic studies revealed the presence of muscovite, plagioclase, quartz, and biotite as the minerals in migmatite and porphyritic biotite granite rocks of the study area, with feldspars, hornblende, and other opaque minerals in pegmatite and dolerite with their distinctive optical properties both in plane-polarized and cross-polarized lights. The geological structures observed include foliations, banding, folds, joints, and veins (especially quartz veins). The general orientation of structural elements is in the NE-SW, NNE-SSW, N-S, and minor NW-SE directions, which have undergone a tectonic evolution that evolved into two distinct episodes the flexible NE-SW & minor N-S layer and the brittle phase that formed the NW-SE quartz veins. The Migmatite and Porphyritic biotite Granite encountered are peculiar to the Nigerian Basement Complexes, and more research needs to be carried out to ascertain the economic geology of these rock types and the characteristic economic minerals contained in them. A more detailed geologic map of the study area should also be created to ascertain the quantity and quality of this mineral deposits and good roads should be created for accessibility.