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Kaolinite, smectite and K-rectorite in bentonites: relation to coal rank at Tulameen, British Columbia

Journal Article · · Clays Clay Miner.; (United States)
The Tulameen coalfield is part of an Eocene non-marine basin which received extensive volcaniclastic sediments due to its location within an active magmatic arc. Bentonite partings in the coal originally consisted of glassy rhyolite tephra with phenocrysts of sanidine, biotite, and quartz. During the initial alteration glass was transformed to either smectite-cristabolite-clinoptilolite or to smectite-kaolinite. The formation of kaolinite depended on the degree of leaching of silica and alkalis in the swamp environment. Some beds are nearly 100% kaolinite and can be designated as tonsteins. A later thermal event metamorphosed the smectite to a regularly interstratified illite/smectite with 55% illite layers and rectorite-type superlattice.
OSTI ID:
5243997
Journal Information:
Clays Clay Miner.; (United States), Journal Name: Clays Clay Miner.; (United States) Vol. 28:4; ISSN CLCMA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English