The role of clays in fixing lithium /

Lithium, in small amounts, is widespread in clay minerals. It may be present in clays as impurities, as inclusions, in lattice cavities, adsorbed on the surface, or by isomorphous substitution. Isomorphous substitution is the most common occurrence. The clay containing the largest amount of lithium is swinefordite, but this mineral is found in only one location. Hectorite, a trioctahedral smectite, can contain a large amount of lithium and is not uncommon in arid regions. Two type of origin have been postulated for hectorite: hydrothermal alteration of a montmorillonite, which was suggested first and is valid in some cases, and direct precipitation in saline lakes, which has gained support in recent years.Includes bibliographical references (pages 8-11).Lithium, in small amounts, is widespread in clay minerals. It may be present in clays as impurities, as inclusions, in lattice cavities, adsorbed on the surface, or by isomorphous substitution. Isomorphous substitution is the most common occurrence. The clay containing the largest amount of lithium is swinefordite, but this mineral is found in only one location. Hectorite, a trioctahedral smectite, can contain a large amount of lithium and is not uncommon in arid regions. Two type of origin have been postulated for hectorite: hydrothermal alteration of a montmorillonite, which was suggested first and is valid in some cases, and direct precipitation in saline lakes, which has gained support in recent years.Mode of access: Internet