Enantiomorphism of kaolinite: Manifestation at the levels of elementary layer and microcrystals
- Institute of Geology of Ore Deposits, Petrography, Mineralogy, and Geochemistry, Institution of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Russian Federation)
The right and left forms of the argillaceous mineral kaolinite (Al{sub 2} Si{sub 2}O{sub 5}(OH){sub 4}), which is wide-spread in nature, have been revealed for the first time by transmission electron microscopy and gold decoration in vacuum. The enantiomorphic forms of this mineral are established at the level of the elementary 7 Angstrom-Sign layer, which determines the kaolinite structure, and at the level of nano- and microcrystals typical of this mineral. Both kaolinite forms are widespread in ancient and young weathering crusts. Enantiomorphic kaolinite microcrystals are formed in two ways: through the periodic formation of 2D nuclei and via helical growth, which is dominant for both kaolinite forms. The right- and left-handed kaolinite forms are observed in the samples under study with equal probability.
- OSTI ID:
- 22054298
- Journal Information:
- Crystallography Reports, Vol. 56, Issue 2; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2011 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1063-7745
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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