montmorilloniitista

Montmorillonite is a phyllosilicate group of minerals that typically form in microscopic crystals, forming a clay. It is named after Montmorillon in France. Montmorillonite is a member of the smectite group, an expanding clay mineral. It is a 2:1 clay, meaning that it has a silica to alumina ratio of approximately 2:1. Montmorillonite is known for its ability to absorb and exchange cations, making it useful in various applications.

Montmorillonite is composed of silica, alumina, and water, with the chemical formula (Na,Ca)0.33(Al,Mg)2Si4O10(OH)2·nH2O. It is a soft, platy mineral with a specific gravity of approximately 2.0-2.8. The mineral is typically white to cream-colored, but can also be yellow, green, or brown due to impurities.

Montmorillonite is found in many locations around the world, including the United States, France, and Australia. It is often associated with volcanic activity and can be found in sedimentary deposits. Montmorillonite is used in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and environmental remediation. In agriculture, it is used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer. In construction, it is used as a binder in ceramics and as a component in cement. In environmental remediation, it is used to absorb and remove pollutants from soil and water.