| Month |
Day |
Topic (subject to change) |
| Jan. |
T, 8 |
Introduction, definitions, related
fields and links
for Clay Mineralogy |
| Jan. |
W, 9 |
Crystal chemistry review |
| Jan. |
R, 10 |
Principles of X-rays - absorption phenomenon |
| Jan. |
T, 15 |
Theoretical X-ray powder diffraction
- Bragg's Law |
| Jan. |
W, 16 |
* X-ray diffraction data collection |
| Jan. |
R, 17 |
Theoretical X-ray powder diffraction
- Layer factors |
| Jan. |
T, 22 |
Theoretical X-ray powder diffraction
- Interference function |
| Jan. |
W, 23 |
* X-ray diffraction data processing |
| Jan. |
R, 24 |
Classification of hydrous layered silicates
- nomenclature |
| Jan. |
T, 29 |
Hydrous layered silicates - 1:1 structures |
| Jan. |
W, 30 |
* Sample preparation methods for XRD |
| Jan. |
R, 31 |
Hydrous layered silicates - high charge
2:1 structures |
| Feb. |
T, 5 |
Hydrous layered silicates - low charge
2:1 structures |
| Feb. |
W, 6 |
* Sample preparation recipes for
XRD |
| Feb. |
R, 7 |
Ionic
radii and structural
formula calculations |
| Feb. |
T, 12 |
Associated mineral phases and their XRD
identification |
| Feb. |
W, 13 |
* Sample treatment methods for XRD discrimination of clays |
| Feb. |
R, 14 |
XRD identification of discrete clay minerals
- illite, chlorite, kaolinite |
| Feb. |
T, 19 |
XRD identification of discrete clay minerals
- smectite, vermiculite |
| Feb. |
W, 20 |
* Sample treatment methods for XRD discrimination of clays |
| Feb. |
R, 21 |
Mixed-layer clays and their XRD identification
- Probabilities |
| Feb. |
T, 26 |
Mixed-layer clays and their XRD identification
- NEWMOD |
| Feb. |
W, 27 |
* Calculation of mixed-layer clay diffraction
patterns |
| Feb. |
R, 28 |
Quantitative XRD analysis of mineral
mixtures part 1 |
| Mar. |
T, 5 |
Quantitative XRD analysis of mineral
mixtures part 2 |
| Mar. |
W, 6 |
* Calculation of mixed-layer clay diffraction patterns |
| Mar. |
R, 7 |
Mid term exam |
| Mar. |
T, 12 |
Spectroscopic methods for clay mineral characterization |
| Mar. |
W, 13 |
FTIR spectroscopy |
| Mar. |
R, 14 |
FTIR spectroscopy |
| Mar. |
T, 26 |
Electron optics |
| Mar. |
W, 27 |
Reicprocal lattice, Electron
diffraction |
| Mar. |
R, 28 |
The geochemistry of clays - Thermodynamic
review |
| Apr. |
T, 2 |
The geochemistry of clays - Activity
coefficients |
| Apr. |
W, 3 |
* Sample preparation for XRD data analysis of soil profile |
| Apr. |
R, 4 |
Equilibrium adsorption and ion exchange |
| Apr. |
T, 9 |
Isotherms and mutlivalent exchange |
| Apr. |
W, 10 |
Neoformation reaction mechanisms for
clays |
| Apr. |
R, 11 |
Weathering reactions |
| Apr. |
T, 16 |
* Weathering reactions and stability diagrams |
| Apr. |
W, 17 |
Clay mineral reactions in natural systems |
| Apr. |
R, 18 |
Rates of clay mineral formation |
| Apr. |
T,23 |
Student presentations |
| Apr. |
W, 24 |
Student presentations |
| Apr. |
R, 25 |
Student presentations |
| May. |
T, 4 |
Final Exam 8:00 AM |
Each student is expected to make an oral presentation on the
subject of their choice. The topic must pertain to some aspect
of clay mineralogy (either a lab project or a library referenced
presentation is possible). An abstract, outline, figures and
list of references should be provided to each class participant.