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Problems in Clay Mineral Identification by X-Ray Diffraction¹

ABSTRACT

X-ray diffraction studies of Oregon soil clays during the past few years have resulted in the observance of a number of phenomena that were somewhat disconcerting. Results of a number of different studies have indicated that the clay minerals identified in a given sample are dependent upon specimen carriers, method of Fe removal, dispersion reagents, cation saturation of clay, and in some cases, peeling of specimens. Further, the situation is complicated by the fact that the effects vary not only with different soils, but also to some extent with different size fractions of the same soil.

Data obtained lead to consideration of the possible extent that clay mineral identification by X-ray diffraction may be arbitrary and empirical. A question is raised as to differentiation of clay minerals which may occur naturally in a given soil from those which may appear as a result of sample preparation. Certainly, the results reported here strongly suggest the need of a combined and intensive effort to establish clay mineral identification on a better and more universal foundation than appears to be the case at the present time.

¹ Technical paper no. 1417, Oregon Agr. Exp. Sta., Corvallis. Presented before the Western Society of Soil Science, June 16, 1960, Eugene, Ore.

² Associate Professor of Soils and Instructor, respectively.

Received for publication July 17, 1961. Accepted for publication October 10, 1961.