Mineralogical analysis of five plastic fire clays: chemical analysis and x-ray diffraction studies

Mineralogical compositions of five plastic fire clays, viz. Mohuamilan, Chittorpur, Barachatarma, Neyveli and Badampahar, have been determined by chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction studies on active clay components (< 1 μ e.s.d.). X-ray examination was done before and after heat-treatment of clays at 600° and 1025°C. The results indicated that the dominant mineral present in all the clays belonged to the Kandite group. Mohuamilan and Chittorpur clays were well crystallized kaolinite. Illite was found to be present in small amount in Neyveli and Badampahar clays. Non-clay minerals of varying nature in varying proportions were present in all the clays