Abstract
Clay origin and nomenclature and clay modes and conditions of formation are discussed in this chapter. Also the typology of clay deposits and the quality of clay, in terms of purity, required for clay uses in the field of human health are dealt with as well. In addition to the almost general beneficial effects of clay and clay minerals it is acknowledged that some clay minerals could have real or potentially harmful effects on the respiratory system if inhaled, due to the fibrous character of their particle shapes. The study of clay and clay minerals' quality requires a thorough knowledge of both principles and analytical methods (chemical, thermal, textural, microscopic, diffractometric, and spectrometric) used in mineralogy in order to identify and characterize the crystallochemical specificities of clay minerals, the crystallochemical formula of those natural clay mineral species utilized in the field of health exhibited in the present chapter. Clay exploitation also takes into account clay utilizations in various domains such as pedologic, crafts, and industrial and chemical, all depending upon clay mineral crystallochemistry.
Published Version
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