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Pathways of Smectite Illitization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2024

Craig M. Bethke ,
Norma Vergo  and
Stephen P. Altaner
Craig M. Bethke
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
Norma Vergo
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
Stephen P. Altaner
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801
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Abstract

Junction probability diagrams show variation in both composition and layer arrangement in mixed-layer clay minerals. These diagrams can represent short-range and long-range ordered, random, and segregated interstratifications. Mineralogical analyses of illite/smectite from shale cuttings, bentonites, and hydrothermally altered tuffs define characteristic reaction pathways through these diagrams. Shale and bentonite analyses fall along pathways joining smectite and illite on diagrams showing nearest-neighbor (R1) layer arrangements. Transition from random to R1-ordered interstratifications occurs in shale samples containing 60–70% illite layers, and in bentonites containing 55–67% illite layers. Analyses of alteration products, however, fall near a line connecting rectorite and illite, which represents the maximum degree of R1 layer ordering. No mineralogical evidence is available to suggest that these alteration samples formed from a smectite precursor. All samples develop next-nearest (R2) and thrice-removed (R3) neighbor ordering along similar pathways. Transition to R2 ordering occurs gradually in samples composed of 65–80% illite layers, and samples containing more than 85% illite layers may show strong R3 ordering.

Keywords

Illite/smectiteIllitizationJunction probability diagramMixed layerOrderingSmectite
Type
Research Article
Information
Clays and Clay Minerals , Volume 34 , Issue 2 , April 1986 , pp. 125 - 135
Copyright
Copyright © 1986, The Clay Minerals Society

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