7.1. Basic Structural Units

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the structure of a tetrahedral unit?

   Hint

   Think about the central atom and its surrounding atoms.

2. 2.

   Name one type of sheet formed from octahedral units.

   Hint

   Consider what octahedral units create.

3. 3.

   What type of atom is found at the center of a tetrahedral unit?

   • Aluminum
   • Silicon
   • Magnesium

   Hint

   Remember the shape of the unit.

4. 4.

   Is the gibbsite sheet formed by tetrahedral combinations?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the definitions.

5. 5.

   Explain how the structural differences between two-layer and three-layer sheet minerals impact their physical properties.

   Hint

   Consider the types of bonding between the layers.

6. 6.

   Predict the influence of a high degree of isomorphous substitution on clay mineral stability.

   Hint

   Think about how changes in atomic structure affect overall mineral behavior.