A RAPID PREPARATION TECHNIQUE FOR X-RAY DIFFRACTION ANALYSIS OF CLAY MINERALS IN WEATHERED ROCK MATERIALS

摘要

A sample preparation procedure is described for X-ray diffraction analysis, whereby fine particle suspensions are precipitated onto membrane filter discs under pressure. The method is used to identify and enhance interpretation of clay and associated minerals from disaggregated granite rocks, a subbasaltic Tertiary palaeosol (terra rossa), and an interbasaltic Tertiary palaeosol (ferrallitic soil). It has proved to be a very useful technique, compared to conventional techniques, for clay mineral analysis in samples with low clay concentrations and allows a very significant reduction in preparation time and cost for oriented Sample mounts. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc. [References: 16]