Geotechnical Engineering - Vol 1 | 7. Formation of Clay Minerals by Abraham | Learn Smarter
K12 Students

Academics

AI-Powered learning for Grades 8–12, aligned with major Indian and international curricula.

Professionals

Professional Courses

Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.

Games

Interactive Games

Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.

Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
7. Formation of Clay Minerals

The chapter discusses the formation and structure of clay minerals, highlighting the importance of silicate minerals in clay soils. It explains the structural units—tetrahedral and octahedral—used in the assembly of clay minerals and describes different types of clay minerals, their characteristics, and properties. Additionally, it emphasizes the arrangement and organization of soil particles, known as soil fabric, which impacts water retention and soil behavior.

Enroll to start learning

You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.

Sections

  • 7

    Formation Of Clay Minerals

    This section explains the formation of clay minerals from soil particles, focusing on their structural units and the types of clay minerals.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.1

    Basic Structural Units

    This section discusses the basic structural units of clay minerals, namely tetrahedral and octahedral units, and how they combine to form different types of clay minerals.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2

    Structure Of Clay Minerals

    The structure of clay minerals is based on two key units: tetrahedral and octahedral, which combine into various sheet structures influencing soil properties.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.1

    Two-Layer Sheet Minerals

    This section discusses the formation and structure of two-layer sheet minerals, particularly kaolinite and halloysite, emphasizing their significance in clay mineralogy.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.1.1

    Kaolinite Mineral

    Kaolinite is a significant clay mineral composed of silica and gibbsite sheets, known for its stability and low expansiveness.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.1.2

    Halloysite Mineral

    Halloysite is a type of clay mineral characterized by its two-layer sheet structure and the presence of water between its sheets.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.2

    Three-Layer Sheet Minerals

    Three-layer sheet minerals, primarily montmorillonite and illite, are defined by their layered structures, influencing their physical properties.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.2.1

    Montmorillonite Mineral

    Montmorillonite is a three-layer clay mineral characterized by its weak bonding and high absorbency of water.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.2.2.2

    Illite Mineral

    This section discusses illite, a type of clay mineral characterized by its stable structure and lack of swelling.

    Learning Practice

  • 7.3

    Fine Soil Fabric

    This section discusses the arrangement and organization of soil particles, particularly focusing on clay particles and their high specific surface area.

    Learning Practice

References

7.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Minerals are classified bas...
  • Clay minerals are formed fr...
  • The arrangement of particle...

Final Test

Revision Tests