Two mixed-layer mica-montmorillonite minerals from sedimentary rocks

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Abstract
Two clay deposits, the Stafford Clay marker bed from the Middle Coal Measures of North Staffordshire and the Woolhope Bentonite from the Silurian, Woolhope Limestone near Woolhope in Herefordshire are described. These clays contain mixed-layer clay minerals which have been separated by sedimentation for mineralogical and chemical analysis. Both minerals are shown to be mica-montmorillonites with MacEwan stacking parameters PA= 0·59, PAA= 0·44 and PA= 0·56, PAA= 0·70 respectively. In both cases the average layer charge (1·22 and 1·46) is intermediate between that of montmorillonites and micas but the exchangeable cation layer charge (1·07 and 1·27/montmorillonite layer) and fixed cation layer charge (1·32 and 1·63/mica layer) of the component layers are higher and lower respectively than the normal range of montmorillonites and micas. Some chemical data are given for the raw material which yielded these minerals and for associated and related rocks. In particular K, U and Th determinations permit a discussion of the natural gamma-ray flux which is sufficiently more intense than that of the associ~.ted sediments to permit its detection by scintillation counter in the field.
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