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Clay minerals are hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates (e.g. kaolin, Al 2 Si 2 O 5 4), sometimes with variable amounts of iron, magnesium, alkali metals, alkaline earths, and other cations found on or near some planetary surfaces. Clay minerals form in the presence of water [1] and have been important to life, and many theories of abiogenesis ...
Amethyst crystals – a purple quartz Apophyllite crystals sitting right beside a cluster of peachy bowtie stilbite Aquamarine variety of beryl with tourmaline on orthoclase Arsenopyrite from Hidalgo del Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico Aurichalcite needles spraying out within a protected pocket lined by bladed calcite crystals Austinite from the Ojuela Mine, Mapimí, Durango, Mexico Ametrine ...
Clay is a type of fine-grained natural soil material containing clay minerals [1] (hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, e.g. kaolinite, Al 2 Si 2 O 5 4). Most pure clay minerals are white or light-coloured, but natural clays show a variety of colours from impurities, such as a reddish or brownish colour from small amounts of iron oxide. [2] [3]
Minerals are distinguished by various chemical and physical properties. Differences in chemical composition and crystal structure distinguish the various species. Within a mineral species there may be variation in physical properties or minor amounts of impurities that are recognized by mineralogists or wider society as a mineral variety.
Chlorite is a common weathering product and is widespread in clay and in sedimentary rock containing clay minerals. [9] Chlorite is found in pelites along with quartz, albite, sericite, and garnet, and is also found in associate with actinolite and epidote. [10]
Clay minerals are one of the more diverse minerals but all have a commonalty of crystal or grain sizes below 2 μm. Chemically, clays are defined by crystal structure and chemical composition, often determined by clay mineral X-ray diffraction.
Evaporite – Water-soluble mineral deposit formed by evaporation from an aqueous solution; Flint – Cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz; Geyserite – Form of opaline silica often found around hot springs and geysers; Greywacke – Sandstone with angular grains in a clay-fine matrix; Gritstone – Hard, coarse-grained, siliceous ...
Distinctions in soils are used in assessing soil which is to have a structure built on them. Soils when wet retain water, and some expand in volume (smectite clay). The amount of expansion is related to the ability of the soil to take in water and its structural make-up (the type of minerals present: clay, silt, or sand). These tests are mainly ...