2002•Soil Science Society of America book seriesRequires access
Pyrophyllite–Talc Minerals
L. W. Zelazny, Pamela J. Thomas, Christophe L. Lawrence
Open publisher page 7 citations
Abstract
Minerals of the pyrophyllite–talc group fall within the general category of 2:1 phyllosilicates, having two tetrahedral sheets and one octahedral sheet. This chapter aims to familiarize the reader with the minerals of the pyrophyllite–talc group. The discussion covers structure, composition, morphology, abundance, distribution, formation, chemical and physical properties, and environmental significance of pyrophyllite–talc minerals. The minimal layer charge of the pyrophyllite–talc minerals also accounts for their minimal chemical reactivity. The chemical and physical properties of pyrophyllite and talc account for their use in a very wide variety of industrial applications. The identification of pyrophyllite or talc in river sediments that do not have pyrophyllite- or talc-containing rocks in their drainage basis are good indicators of industrial activity. X-ray diffraction can be used to both identify and differentiate among members of the pyrophyllite–talc group of minerals.