Mixed-layer clay
Definition
A clay mineral in which two different layer types (for example smectite and illite layers) are interstratified in a regular or random sequence along the c-axis. The interlayering produces broad, shifted d-spacings that are diagnostic of specific weathering or burial conditions.
Related terms
- Basal reflection
- The diffraction peak arising from the repeat distance along the stacking direction of clay layer silicates (the c-axis or 001 reflection). Its...
- Bragg's law
- nλ = 2d sin(θ). A monochromatic X-ray beam diffracted off the parallel lattice planes of a crystal produces constructive interference only at...
- d-spacing
- The perpendicular distance between adjacent parallel planes of atoms in a crystal lattice, measured in angstroms or nanometres. Each set of planes...
- Oriented mount
- A clay sample preparation in which fine clay particles are settled onto a glass slide so that their flat basal planes align...
- Rietveld refinement
- A full-pattern fitting method for XRD quantification that models the entire diffractogram using crystal structure data for each phase, adjusting phase abundances...
Explained in
- X-ray Diffraction and Clay MineralogyA clay mineral in which two different layer types (for example smectite and illite layers) are interstratified in a regular or random sequence along the c-axis...