Hazards of Radioactive Mineralization Associated with Pegmatites Used as Decorative and Building Material

The present study aimed to assess the radiological hazards associated with applying the investigated granite in the building materials and the infrastructures applications. The investigated granites are classified into four categories: El-Urf, barren, colourful and opaque. El Urf monzogranite intrudes metagabbro diorite complex with sharp contacts. Based on the activity concentrations, the environmental parameters such as absorbed dose rate (Dair), annual effective dose (AED), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external (Hex) and internal (Hin) hazard indices were measured. The mineralized pegmatite is located in the southwestern foothill of the Gabal El Urf younger granite. It displays well-defined zonation of three zones: outer, middle and inner zones represented by potash feldspar, quartz and mica, respectively. The isorad map showed that El Urf monzogranite is barren (Up to 100 cps) surrounding an excavation of the studied pegmatite that exhibits moderate colorful mineralization (phase-I = 500–1500 cps) and anomalous opaque mineralization (phase-II = 1500–3500 cps) pegmatites. The obtained results of radionuclides activity concentrations illustrated that the Opaque granites have the highest values of 238U (561 ± 127 Bq kg−1), 232Th (4289 ± 891 Bq kg−1) and 40K (3002 ± 446 Bq kg−1) in the granites, which are higher than the recommended worldwide average. Many of the radiological hazard parameters were lesser than the international limits in the younger granites and barren pegmatites. All of these parameters were higher in the colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites. The high activity and the elevated radiological hazard parameters in the mineralized pegmatites are revised to the presence of radioactive and radioelements bearing minerals, such as thorite, meta-autunite, kasolite, phurcalite, columbite, fergusonite, Xenotime and fluorapatite. Other instances of mineralization were also recorded as cassiterite, atacamite, galena, pyrite and iron oxide minerals. Thus, the granites with high radioactivity concentration cannot be applied in the different applications of building materials and ornamental stones.


Introduction
Granites are igneous rocks generally made up of quartz, K-feldspar and mica, and are used for internal and exterior decorative uses, including building and ornamental materials. Because of their nature, these rocks contain radionuclides. Exposure to the radioactive series 238 U and 232 Th, as well as 40 K, produces external irradiation. Internal doses from radon inhalation and the aforementioned radioactive chains' short-lived products are concentrated in respiratory tract tissues [1][2][3]. Uranium (U) and thorium (Th) series of natural radionuclides can be found in various levels in all terrestrial materials, depending on the geological and geographical conditions of the study area [4,5]. They can be found in almost every environment and can even be identified in the human body [3]. The terrestrial radionuclides and their daughters and cosmic radiation contribute to background radiation in the environment. Mineralogical, geochemical and physicochemical factors all play a role in its presence in the environment [6,7]. In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about the radiological risk posed by building materials [6].
Moreover, the radiological impact of the general public is a major topic of research in radioecology, where the data will provide importantly and required information in monitoring environmental contamination, allowing the public to access more appropriate and effective protection advice [8,9]. The production of gamma radiation from natural radionuclides must be closely monitored in order to safeguard humans against gamma radiation, which can be caused by various diseases [10,11]. According to the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry), long-term radioactive exposure causes significant ailments that include oral necrosis, chronic lung disease, leukopenia and anaemia [12,13]. Several studies have been carried out to estimate the radiation risk and yearly dose supply of natural radioactivity in building materials [14,15]. Implementing a radiological impact assessment for construction materials in order to analyze and control radioactive consequences on humans and the environment is a critical and complex task that must be carried out in order to meet the criteria for sustainable development. Radiation effects should be assessed using quantifiable values that can be utilized as input parameters for designing environmental distribution and estimating radiation dose [16,17]. The present paper concerns the geological and mineralogical composition of the studied mineralized pegmatite and its environmental impacts on humans and the environment. Some of the radiological risks such as radium equivalent activity (Ra eq ), absorbed dose rate (D air ), annual effective dose (AED), external (H ex ) and internal (H in ) hazard indices and gamma index (Iγ) are computed.
Gabal El Urf younger granite has an elongate shape, nearly striking NE-SW. It is monzogranite with medium to coarse-grains, and has calc-alkaline to alkaline nature affinity, with a nearly estimated Sr-Nd age of 600 ± 11 Ma [18,19]. Many pegmatite bodies and masses had intruded the metagabbro diorite complex, representing El Urf monzogranite's country rocks [20]. Many pegmatite bodies and masses had intruded the metagabbro diorite complex, representing El Urf monzogranite's country rocks [21]. They display zoned pegmatites constituting a source for the mineralization of radioactive and rare metals (Y, Th, Nb, and Zr) [22]. The pegmatites derived from metaluminous to peralkaline magma fall within the plate granite type and are enriched with cheralite (Ca-rich monazite) and zircon [23]. Hydrothermal processes are enriched with rare metals mineralization and radioactive minerals [21]. In general, all pegmatite rocks in Gabal El Urf younger granite have been recorded in their country rocks. The latter revealed that a huge zoned mineralized pegmatite body had intruded the El Urf younger granite, with an average of nearly 14×7m in size. It is characterized by potash feldspar, quartz and mica minerals, and outer, middle and inner zones. They (Optic.) recoded earlier colorful mineralization (phase-I) and latter opaque stages (phase-II). It can be documented that the main difference between the two mineralized phases is attributable to time gapping, not the spatial issue. Both colourful and opaque mineralization stages can be found in the same location in the pegmatite zones. However, obviously, the opaque minerals phase-II (latter) cut the earlier colourful phase-I, indicated by both field investigations as well petrographic studies. El Urf monzogranite intrudes metagabbro diorite complex with sharp contacts [18,21]. The studied mineralized pegmatite is located in the southwestern foothill of the Gabal El Urf younger granite. It displays well definite zonation and consists of three zones: outer, middle and inner zones represented by potash feldspar, quartz and mica, respectively. Generally, the huge studied pegmatite had been noticed by the diggers who look after the potash feldspar masses. They excavate all the masses they can find, which are used in the ceramic industry. After excavating and removing quartz pockets, some unexposed potash masses had appeared, in which some radioactive minerals were contained ( Figure 2). Gabal El Urf younger granite has an elongate shape, nearly striking NE-SW. It i monzogranite with medium to coarse-grains, and has calc-alkaline to alkaline nature a finity, with a nearly estimated Sr-Nd age of 600 ± 11 Ma [18,19]. Many pegmatite bodie and masses had intruded the metagabbro diorite complex, representing El Ur of the Gabal El Urf younger granite. It displays well definite zonation and consists of three zones: outer, middle and inner zones represented by potash feldspar, quartz and mica, respectively. Generally, the huge studied pegmatite had been noticed by the diggers who look after the potash feldspar masses. They excavate all the masses they can find, which are used in the ceramic industry. After excavating and removing quartz pockets, some unexposed potash masses had appeared, in which some radioactive minerals were contained ( Figure 2). The studied mineralization includes both colorful (phase-I) and opaque mineralization (phase-II); rarely they occur consistently in the same place ( Figure 3). Generally, the colorful phase-I occurs as clots of disseminated minute crystals with bright colors ranging from yellow to green in quartz and potash feldspar ( Figure 4). Opaque mineralization phase-I displays as a network of fracture-filling iron associated with a vast array of accessory minerals ( Figure 5). Opaque mineralization (phase-II) displays a coarser grain size of minerals than (phase-I). It includes iron oxides and mega crystals of colorless and purple fluorite associated with black radioactive minerals ( Figure 6); purple fluorite is an indication to the radioactive influence .
According to the petrographic and mineralogical studies, Phase-I encloses accessory minerals such as thorite, fluorite, zircon and xenotime, whereas the latter (phase-II) has another array of the accessory minerals, for example, fluorapatite, cassiterite, atacamite, The studied mineralization includes both colorful (phase-I) and opaque mineralization (phase-II); rarely they occur consistently in the same place ( Figure 3). Generally, the colorful phase-I occurs as clots of disseminated minute crystals with bright colors ranging from yellow to green in quartz and potash feldspar ( Figure 4). Opaque mineralization phase-I displays as a network of fracture-filling iron associated with a vast array of accessory minerals ( Figure 5). Opaque mineralization (phase-II) displays a coarser grain size of minerals than (phase-I). It includes iron oxides and mega crystals of colorless and purple fluorite associated with black radioactive minerals ( Figure 6); purple fluorite is an indication to the radioactive influence. Nb-minerals and sulfide minerals, besides the Th-minerals (thorite, uranothorite,), U-minerals (meta-autunite and uranophane) and REE-bearing minerals (pyrochlore and bastnasite), associated mainly with fractures filled by iron oxides.       According to the petrographic and mineralogical studies, Phase-I encloses accessory minerals such as thorite, fluorite, zircon and xenotime, whereas the latter (phase-II) has another array of the accessory minerals, for example, fluorapatite, cassiterite, atacamite, Nbminerals and sulfide minerals, besides the Th-minerals (thorite, uranothorite,), U-minerals (meta-autunite and uranophane) and REE-bearing minerals (pyrochlore and bastnasite), associated mainly with fractures filled by iron oxides.  Gabal El Urf monzogranite is bounded from the south by the elliptical pegmatitic body that distinguished the moderate radioactive pegmatite phase-I surrounded by the anomalous radioactive pegmatite phase-II ( Figure 7). In addition, structurally, both the colorful mineralization phase-I and opaque phase-II are mainly located near or along with definite fractures, leading to easy migration or removal of uranium ions, especially at the oxidizing regime. Gabal El Urf monzogranite is bounded from the south by the elliptical pegmatitic body that distinguished the moderate radioactive pegmatite phase-I surrounded by the anomalous radioactive pegmatite phase-II ( Figure 7). In addition, structurally, both the colorful mineralization phase-I and opaque phase-II are mainly located near or along with definite fractures, leading to easy migration or removal of uranium ions, especially at the oxidizing regime.

Radiometric and Mineral Analysis
The radiometric field survey of the El Urf younger granite and its related p was carried out using the portable scintillometer (UG-130), measuring in terms per second (Cps), and also determined as equivalent uranium (eU), thorium (e

Radiometric and Mineral Analysis
The radiometric field survey of the El Urf younger granite and its related pegmatite was carried out using the portable scintillometer (UG-130), measuring in terms of count per second (Cps), and also determined as equivalent uranium (eU), thorium (eTh) and potassium (K). Before the measurements were carried out in the field, the portable scintillator was calibrated using the calibration pads which are certified by IAEA. The calibration experiment was designed by Matolin's (1990) [24]. The obtained data by UG-130 were in agreement with the NaI (Tl) detector. A Nickon polarized microscope (Olympus-BZ70) mainly examined the petrographic studies to recognize the radioactive minerals and radioelementbearing minerals of the studied mineralized pegmatite. The X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), using a Philips PW 3710/31 diffractometer, scintillation counter, Cr & Cu target tube and Ni filter at 40 kV and 30 mA. This instrument is connected to a computer system using the APD program and PDF-2 database for mineral identification. An scanning electron microscope (SEM model Philips XL30) supported by an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX) unit was used at 25-30 kV accelerating voltage, 1-2 mm beam diameter and 60-120 s counting time. All the analyses were carried out at the labs of the Nuclear Materials Authority (NMA), Cairo, Egypt. Table 1 summarizes how to calculate radiological risk factors using activity concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K, and the mathematical equations. The external hazard index is the radiological parameters applied to assess the hazard of γ-radiation [25,26] H ex = A U 370 Internal hazard index H in The internal hazard index is applied to the internal exposure from radon and its decay products [27,28] Radiation level index Iγ The other index used to estimate the level of γ-radiation hazard associated with the natural radionuclides in the samples was suggested by a group of experts due to the different combinations of specific natural activities in the sample [29,30] The absorbed dose rate is the radioactive factor that was applied to detect the effect of gamma radiation at 1 m from the radiation sources in the air due to the concentrations of 238

Mineralogical Studies
The mineralogical studies of the pegmatite rocks of Gabal El Urf were carried out to determine the minerals that cause radioactive anomalies and identify the minerals that contain rare earth elements associated with uranium and thorium elements present in the two mineralized phase-I and phase-II. In phase-I sections, radioactivity refers to the mica minerals that include an array of radioelement-bearing minerals in addition to the presence of xenotime, zircon and fluorite. Phase-II mineralized pegmatite spots are characterized by an array of significant minerals comprising thorite, meta-autunite, kasolite and phurcalite. Nb-minerals include columbite and fergusonite, xenotime, fluorapatite, cassiterite, atacamite, sulfide minerals galena and pyrite, and iron oxide minerals.
Thorite mineral is presented in phase-I as minute grains included in the mica minerals and as a fracture filling. El Dabe (2022) illustrated the EDX analysis of thorite minerals containing thorium (35.64%) and uranium (10.51%), representing the main constituents with the silicate (10.94%) [31]. Yttrium is the sole trace element (5.34%) occupying a limited percentage of U-cote, according to the similarity of the ionic radii ( Figure 8). Thorite exists in phase-II relatively more than in phase-I. It is presented in phase-II as small grains, disseminated clusters and microfracture filling. The XRD analysis shows that the d-spacing of Thorite characteristic peaks (3.56, 4.71, and 2.65 A O ) at 2theta (24.98, 18.79, and 33.78), respectively, matches PDF-2 Card No. (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17) (Figure 9). Its composition is confirmed by EDX analysis, where thorium (61.14) and uranium (13.98) represent the main constituents, along with silica (13.74) and Yttrium (8.43) (Figure 8). It is clear that thorium and uranium in phase-II exceed the corresponding one in phase-I. This coincides with the entire measuring e(Th) and e(U) values belonging to both (phase-I) and (phase-II) pegmatite parts. minerals that include an array of radioelement-bearing minerals in addition to the presence of xenotime, zircon and fluorite. Phase-II mineralized pegmatite spots are characterized by an array of significant minerals comprising thorite, meta-autunite, kasolite and phurcalite. Nb-minerals include columbite and fergusonite, xenotime, fluorapatite, cassiterite, atacamite, sulfide minerals galena and pyrite, and iron oxide minerals.
Thorite mineral is presented in phase-I as minute grains included in the mica minerals and as a fracture filling. El Dabe (2022) illustrated the EDX analysis of thorite minerals containing thorium (35.64%) and uranium (10.51%), representing the main constituents with the silicate (10.94%) [31]. Yttrium is the sole trace element (5.34%) occupying a limited percentage of U-cote, according to the similarity of the ionic radii ( Figure 8). Thorite exists in phase-II relatively more than in phase-I. It is presented in phase-II as small grains, disseminated clusters and microfracture filling. The XRD analysis shows that the d-spacing of Thorite characteristic peaks (3.56, 4.71, and 2.65 A O ) at 2theta (24.98, 18.79, and 33.78), respectively, matches PDF-2 Card No. (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17) (Figure 9). Its composition is confirmed by EDX analysis, where thorium (61.14) and uranium (13.98) represent the main constituents, along with silica (13.74) and Yttrium (8.43) (Figure 8). It is clear that thorium and uranium in phase-II exceed the corresponding one in phase-I. This coincides with the entire measuring e(Th) and e(U) values belonging to both (phase-I) and (phase-II) pegmatite parts.   Thorite mineral is presented in phase-I as minute grains included in the mica minerals and as a fracture filling. El Dabe (2022) illustrated the EDX analysis of thorite minerals containing thorium (35.64%) and uranium (10.51%), representing the main constituents with the silicate (10.94%) [31]. Yttrium is the sole trace element (5.34%) occupying a limited percentage of U-cote, according to the similarity of the ionic radii ( Figure 8). Thorite exists in phase-II relatively more than in phase-I. It is presented in phase-II as small grains, disseminated clusters and microfracture filling. The XRD analysis shows that the d-spacing of Thorite characteristic peaks (3.56, 4.71, and 2.65 A O ) at 2theta (24.98, 18.79, and 33.78), respectively, matches PDF-2 Card No. (11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17) (Figure 9). Its composition is confirmed by EDX analysis, where thorium (61.14) and uranium (13.98) represent the main constituents, along with silica (13.74) and Yttrium (8.43) (Figure 8). It is clear that thorium and uranium in phase-II exceed the corresponding one in phase-I. This coincides with the entire measuring e(Th) and e(U) values belonging to both (phase-I) and (phase-II) pegmatite parts.    Phurcalite is a secondary calcium uranium phosphate mineral product of hydrothermal activity and is presented in (phase II) mineralized spots of pegmatites. The XRD pattern ( Figure 10)  Phurcalite is a secondary calcium uranium phosphate mineral product of hydr mal activity and is presented in (phase II) mineralized spots of pegmatites. The XR tern ( Figure 10) shows the d-spacing of its characteristic peaks (8.00, 3.09, and 2.88 2theta (16.45, 43.45 and 46.79), respectively, and matches PDF-2 Card No. .

Xenotime (YPO4)
Xenotime is an yttrium phosphate presented in phase-I. The mineral is enriched in rare earth elements (REE) and is associated with thorium and uranium minerals. The EDX-analysis indicates the presence of appreciable contents of Th (8.84%) and U (2.47%).
The XRD pattern of Xenotime shows that the d-spacing of its characteristic peaks

Xenotime (YPO 4 )
Xenotime is an yttrium phosphate presented in phase-I. The mineral is enriched in rare earth elements (REE) and is associated with thorium and uranium minerals. The EDX-analysis indicates the presence of appreciable contents of Th (8.84%) and U (2.47%).
The XRD pattern of Xenotime shows that the d-spacing of its characteristic peaks

Radioactivity and Radiological Hazards Assessment
Generally, the difference among uranium and thorium contents, as well as their ratio values of El Urf monzogranite, barren pegmatite and mineralized pegmatite phase-I and phase-II, suggest the removal or migration concept of uranium ions from the whole pegmatite parts by different manners. Two uranium migration styles were revalued. The colorful mineralization (phase-I) with the barren parts migrated its uranium content through the regular method, whereas the uranium ion charge was removed from opaque mineralization (phase-II) and the El Urf monzogranite due to its disturbance and irregular style. Table 2 displays the radiometric data to clarify the distribution of radioactivity and locate the three levels of radioactivity. The obtained results showed that El Urf monzogranite is barren (Up to 100 cps), surrounding an excavation of the studied pegmatite that exhibits moderate colorful mineralization (phase-I = 500-1500 cps) and anomalous opaque mineralization (phase-II = 1500-3500 cps) of pegmatites.
The eU and eTh contents values in ppm, as well as K, in %, were converted to activity concentration, Bq kg −1 , using the conversion factors (12.35 and 4.06 Bq kg −1 /ppm for 238 U and 232 Th, respectively, as well as 313 Bq kg −1 / % for 40 K) [32], where A U , A Th and A K are the average activity concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K in Bq kg −1 , respectively. The 238 U activity concentration ranges between 16  The activity concentrations averages of both colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites are much higher than the international averages mentioned later (Table 1).

Radiological Hazards Parameters
The mean Ra eq values for the granitic rocks of El Urf are 147, 324, 1919 and 6919 Bq kg −1 for the younger granite, barren pegmatite and colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites, respectively. However, colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites have much higher values than the criterion limit of 370 Bq kg −1 ; however, the younger granite and barren pegmatite are lower. However, colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites display much higher values than the criterion limit of 370 Bq kg −1 , whereas the younger granite and barren pegmatite are lower ( Figure 14). These indices must be less than the average in order to keep the radiation hazard insignificant [33][34][35]. The radiation exposure due to radioactivity in construction materials must be limited to 1.5 mSv year −1 ( Table 2). The values of the external hazard (Hex) and internal hazard (Hin) for the studied granitic rocks are less than standard in El Urf younger granites, which agrees with the recommended values, whereas almost samples in the bar-  These indices must be less than the average in order to keep the radiation hazard insignificant [33][34][35]. The radiation exposure due to radioactivity in construction materials must be limited to 1.5 mSv year −1 ( Table 2). The values of the external hazard (H ex ) and internal hazard (H in ) for the studied granitic rocks are less than standard in El Urf younger granites, which agrees with the recommended values, whereas almost samples in the barren pegmatite and all samples in the colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites are, to a greater extent, higher than international standards, suggesting that these samples cannot be used as a building or decorative material of dwelling ( Table 2). The opaque mineralized pegmatites parts have the both the highest external hazard (H ex ) and internal hazard (H in ) values, reflecting the most dangerous used material among the studied rock types in the El Urf area (Figure 15). The safety value for this index is ≤1, whereas the obtained Iγ averages for the studied rocks are 1.13, 2.44, 13.63 and 48.63 for younger granites, barren pegmatite and colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites, respectively. Most of the studied rocks have a value higher than the recommended safety value, to a great extent.  Table 2). This displays that the Gabal El Ur area is not appropriate for the stratification of various infrastructure applications, particularly building materials.
The mean values of the studied granitic rocks are 0.09, 0.19, 1.04 and 3.65, for the younger granite and barren pegmatite, colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites, respectively, which are higher than the recommended worldwide average of the annual effective dose (0.07 mSvy −1 ), as suggested by UNSCEAR (2000) [36], (Table 2). Heavy minerals found in granites, such as monazite, uraninite and thorianite, are responsible for the high doses. Furthermore, long-term exposure to high dosages might have negative health consequences such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, which are linked to tissue degradation and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in genes [37].   (Table 2). This displays that the Gabal El Ur area is not appropriate for the stratification of various infrastructure applications, particularly building materials.
The mean values of the studied granitic rocks are 0.09, 0.19, 1.04 and 3.65, for the younger granite and barren pegmatite, colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites, respectively, which are higher than the recommended worldwide average of the annual effective dose (0.07 mSvy −1 ), as suggested by UNSCEAR (2000) [36], (Table 2). Heavy minerals found in granites, such as monazite, uraninite and thorianite, are responsible for the high doses. Furthermore, long-term exposure to high dosages might have negative health consequences such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, which are linked to tissue degradation and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in genes [37].
The principal component analysis (PCA) employed Varimax rotations to identify the matrix connection between distinct components. The PC1 and PC2 components are shown in Figure 16. matrix connection between distinct components. The PC1 and PC2 components are shown in Figure 16.
In opaque granite samples, the activity concentrations of 238 U and 232 Th indicate a strong positive in PC1 loading, which is linked to all radiological factors and explains 98.94% of the variation. As a result, 238 U and 232 Th activity concentrations were the most common natural radioactive contributions in the opaque granite at the research location. PC2 accounts for 0.92 % of the variance [38,39]. The data of radiological variables are analyzed using a hierarchical clustering approach. Figure 17 depicts the relationship between all of the variables. The dendrogram of the examined data in the opaque granite at the El Urf area shows two clusters. Cluster I in the opaque granite at the analyzed location is made up of 238 U, 232 Th and radiological hazard factors. Although cluster II contains the 40 K, which are linked to cluster I, this analysis demonstrated that uranium and thorium minerals are responsible for the total radioactivity in the opaque granite. Finally, the cluster analysis results are consistent with PCA analysis. In opaque granite samples, the activity concentrations of 238 U and 232 Th indicate a strong positive in PC1 loading, which is linked to all radiological factors and explains 98.94% of the variation. As a result, 238 U and 232 Th activity concentrations were the most common natural radioactive contributions in the opaque granite at the research location. PC2 accounts for 0.92 % of the variance [38,39].
The data of radiological variables are analyzed using a hierarchical clustering approach. Figure 17 depicts the relationship between all of the variables. The dendrogram of the examined data in the opaque granite at the El Urf area shows two clusters. Cluster I in the opaque granite at the analyzed location is made up of 238 U, 232 Th and radiological hazard factors. Although cluster II contains the 40 K, which are linked to cluster I, this analysis demonstrated that uranium and thorium minerals are responsible for the total radioactivity in the opaque granite. Finally, the cluster analysis results are consistent with PCA analysis.

Conclusions
The mineralized pegmatite is located in the southwestern foot hill of the Gabal El Urf younger granite and displays well-defined zonation of three zones: outer, middle and in- Figure 17. The clustering analysis of the radiological parameters of Opaque at EL Urf area.

Conclusions
The mineralized pegmatite is located in the southwestern foot hill of the Gabal El Urf younger granite and displays well-defined zonation of three zones: outer, middle and inner zones represented by potash feldspar, quartz and mica, respectively. The activity concentrations of 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K in the mineralized pegmatitites have higher values relative to the worldwide average. The highest values of 238 U (561±127 Bq kg −1 ), 232 Th (4289±891 Bq kg −1 ) and 40 K (3002 ± 446 Bq kg −1 ) are found in the opaque mineralized pegmatites. Many of the radiological hazard parameters were lesser than the international limits in the younger granites and barren pegmatites. All these parameters were higher in the colorful and opaque mineralized pegmatites. This is attributed to the alteration of radioactive minerals such as radioactive earing minerals such as thorite, meta-autunite, kasolite, phurcalite, columbite, fergusonite, xenotime and fluorapatite. Other instances of mineralization were also recorded as cassiterite, atacamite, galena, pyrite and iron oxide minerals. The statistical analysis was conducted to illustrate the geological processes that lead to an increase in the radioactive concentration in the granite rocks. Thus, the granite rocks of the studied area are not safe, pose negative health risks and are not applied in the building materials and the application of various infrastructures.

Data Availability Statement:
The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding authors.