What is beidellite?

Definition of beidellite : a mineral ideally Ca0. 16Al3Si3. 17O10(OH)2 that is a common constituent of certain clays and consists of basic aluminosilicate with exchangeable calcium, sodium, or other cation.

Why does smectite expand?

Smectite clays are a natural product of the weathering and decomposition of igneous rocks. cations readily adsorb surrounding water, and, because of the limited layer charge, smectite minerals can easily swell with the influx of water into the interlayer.

Why is it more difficult to remove potassium from the interlayer spaces of Beidellite than from montmorillonite?

Smectites in general, including montmorillonite, are susceptible to relatively small amounts of K retention in the mineral interlayers; however, the smectite mineral beidellite retains much more K in the interlayers because it holds K+ with stronger bonds and has a narrower interlayer space (Figure 4).

Is China clay a mineral?

Kaolin, or ‘china clay’ as it is commonly called, is a hydrated aluminum silicate crystalline mineral formed over many millions of years by the hydrothermal decomposition of granite rocks. Hydrous kaolin is characterized by its fine particle size, plate-like or lamellar particle shape, and chemical inertness.

Is smectite a swelling clay?

Smectite clays are swelling clays that contain an interlayer space which can expand by the absorption of a suitable solvent.

Why does smectite shrink and swell?

Why Do Some Soils Shrink and Swell? Soils shrink and swell depending on the expansive characteristics of certain clay-sized minerals that are less than 0.002 mm in diameter. One family of these clay minerals, smectites, can absorb enough water to expand up to 30 percent in volume.

What is bentonite formula?

Sodium bentonite | Al2H2Na2O13Si4 – PubChem.

Is bentonite an emulsifying agent?

Combination of a bentonite with a layered double hydroxide represents an effective emulsifying system and provides high stability against coalescence.

What is china clay made from?

Kaolin (china clay) is a hydrated aluminum silicate crystalline mineral (kaolinite) formed over many millions of years by the hydrothermal decomposition of granite rocks. Hydrous kaolin is characterized by its fine particle size, plate like or lamellar particle shape and chemical inertness.

What is the chemical formula for beidellite?

An idealized formula for a common soil smectite, the mineral beidellite, is: M 0.33 + Al 2 Si 3.67 Al 0.33 O 10 OH 2, where M + represents exchangeable cations, typically Ca 2+ and Mg 2+. The most common smectite minerals range in composition between three end-members: montmorillonite, beidellite, and nontronite.

Where does beidellite get its name?

Named after its locality. Comments: Pure white chalky massive beidellite. Location: From near Charlestown, Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies. Scale: See Photo. a = 5.14, b = 8.93, c = 15, Z = 2; beta = 99.54° V = 678.98 Den (Calc)= 1.90

What does beidellite look like?

Named after its locality. Comments: Pure white chalky massive beidellite. Location: From near Charlestown, Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies. Scale: See Photo. a = 5.14, b = 8.93, c = 15, Z = 2; beta = 99.54° V = 678.98 Den (Calc)= 1.90 White, Gray, Reddish white, Brownish white, Pale yellow.

What is the specific gravity of beidellite?

Calculated Properties of Beidellite. Bulk Density (Electron Density)=2.15 gm/cc note: Specific Gravity of Beidellite =2.15 gm/cc.