Identification of the clay minerals of some chosen soils in Aljabal Alakhdar district, Libya by Ethylene Glycol and Heat: X-ray Diffraction studies

Abstract

Due to the widespread use of clay minerals and their importance in various industries and agricultural projects, sufficient knowledge of clay minerals as well as how to identify them is so important. Therefore, understanding these minerals can optimize the use and application of them. Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, as it represents the only green spot in northeastern of Libya, the identification of clay minerals in this region is very important for its relationship to the management of the chemical and physical properties of its soil. Four samples were selected from the Al-Haniya area, and due to the shallow depths of its soil, these samples were taken from the last depth (35-60 cm). X-ray diffraction device used to obtain clear X-ray diffraction (XRD) curves for identification of clay minerals in selected samples from the study area. The results of the qualitative analysis of the minerals showed that there was a similarity in the types of pyrophyllite silicates and the illite is the most crystalline mineral indicated by the relative strength in these soils. The results also showed the presence of kaolinite minerals and the chlorite-vermiculite complex. The results did not show the presence of expansion minerals such as montomorollonite.