New Localities for Saponite and Nontronite in Utah and Oregon

摘要

The smectite group of clay minerals is filled with ugly species that are frequently overlooked. Identification is difficult, as chemistry alone is usually insufficient, and XRD is typically required. The first reported occurrence of saponite from the Rocky District in Utah is reported here, as is the first reported occurrence of nontronite from Dufur in Wasco County, Oregon.