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USGS · 70017688

Synthesis of illite-smectite from smectite at Earth surface temperatures and high pH

D. D. Eberl·Bruce Velde·T. C. McCormick
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Abstract

It is well known that illite-smectite can form from smectite at elevated temperatures in natural and experimental systems. However, the conversion of smectite to illite-smectite is also found in some natural systems that have never been heated. The present experiments show that illite layers can form from smectite by chemical reaction at 35° and 60°C at high solution pH. The rate of this reaction is accelerated by wetting and drying.

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D. D. Eberl, Bruce Velde, T. C. McCormick. 2018-07-09. Synthesis of illite-smectite from smectite at Earth surface temperatures and high pH. https://doi.org/10.1180/claymin.1993.028.1.06

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