This volume describes the structure, chemistry, optical and physical properties, distinguishing features and paragenesis of the minerals of the kaolin, mica, smectite groups, as well as vermiculite, palygorskite, sepiolite, mixed-layer and interlayered clay minerals. Emphasis is placed on the chemical and physical properties that distinguish clay minerals from the non-clay minerals, such as their ion exchange, adsoption, selectivity and fixation properties, their ability to form organic complexes, their interactions with water and their colloidal characteristics. Diagnostic diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy.

Clay minerals is an essential reference work for professionals and students engaged in research in geology, soil science, environmental science, materials science and related fields of chemistry and physics, as well as those involved in the many industries where clays are used or encountered such as building and construction, petroleum exploration and production, pharmaceutical, ceramics and paper manufacturing.