Clay
| Formula / Notation | Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄ |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Clay minerals, phyllosilicates, aluminosilicate clays, layer silicates |
What is Clay?
Clay is a naturally occurring fine-grained mineral material composed mainly of phyllosilicate minerals with layered structures. Clays are important in chemistry as ion-exchange materials, catalyst supports, and as components of soils. They carry negative surface charges that attract and hold cations, contributing to soil fertility. Kaolin, montmorillonite, and illite are common clay minerals.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Clay minerals, phyllosilicates, aluminosilicate clays, layer silicates
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Clay is a naturally occurring fine-grained mineral material composed mainly of phyllosilicate minerals with layered structures. Clays are important in chemistry as ion-exchange materials, catalyst supports, and as components of soils. They carry negative surface charges that attract and hold cations, contributing to soil fertility. Kaolin, montmorillonite, and illite are common clay minerals.
Clays are used in ceramics, pottery, bricks, paper coating, paints, drilling mud (bentonite), cat litter, pharmaceuticals (kaolin as antidiarrheal), and as catalyst supports (acid-treated montmorillonite). Pillar clays are used as shape-selective catalysts in cracking.
Fine clay dust is a respiratory irritant and can cause silicosis with prolonged exposure to crystalline silica-containing clays. Wet clay poses a slip hazard. Certain smectite clays swell significantly when wet, which can cause structural hazards in construction.
The formula or notation for Clay is: Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄