Portuguese clays used in geomedicine: a study of their relevant properties

摘要

Mud / clay used in two Portuguese spas (Vale dos Cucos and Vale das Furnas) for therapeutic treatments, particularly of arthro-rheumatic and skin affections, were studied in order to find out, on a scientific basis, the assets of those geomaterials. Relevant textural (particle size distribution), mineralogical (main and accessory minerals), chemical (chemical analysis of major, minor and trace elements, cation exchange capacity, exchangeable cations), specific surface area, expandability, abrasivity, liquid and plastic limits and thermal properties (specific heat, cooling rate) were assessed. Similar studies was carried out on a Portuguese bentonite intended to be used in a Portuguese Geomedicine Centre, in Porto Santo island, Madeira archipelago.