Mineral Microstructure Research Articles

A zero-carbon emission approach for the reduction of refractory iron ores: Mineral phase, magnetic property and surface transformation in hydrogen system

In this study, a feasible strategy, named hydrogen mineral phase transformation (HMPT) technology, is proposed and employed to achieve efficient and clean recovery of Hainan Shilu refractory iron ore (HSRIO). The influences of HMPT roasting temperature, roasting time, and H2 concentration on the separation index of HSRIO are investigated. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the iron concentrate grade increases from 62.5% to 67.9%, and the iron recovery increases from 65.0% to 94.7% compared with the original beneficiation process. In addition, the evolution of mineral phases, magnetic properties, and mineral microstructures is analyzed using XRD, VSM, SEM, and high-temperature hot-stage microscopy. It is revealed that the transformation of hematite to magnetite occurs during the HMPT process, with the newly formed magnetite exhibiting a loose and porous reticulation structure. This study is of guiding significance for the development of Hainan Shilu refractory iron ore with high efficiency and zero-carbon emission.

Upscaling from Mineral Microstructures to Tectonic Macrostructures

Upscaling from Mineral Microstructures to Tectonic Macrostructures

Effect of Microwave Irradiation on Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Minerals

Microwave-assisted rock breaking is a new and promising technology for the tunneling and drilling industry. Minerals in rocks have an important influence on the effect of microwave-assisted rock breaking. In this paper, common minerals in rocks such as potash feldspar (hereafter referred to as K-feldspar), calcite and pyroxene were selected as samples, and a lot of microwave irradiation tests were carried out by using a hamilab-v1500 microwave oven. The mass, strength and microstructure of the rock samples were tested before and after microwave irradiation. The change law of the mineral mass, strength and microstructure with regard to temperature was analyzed, and the influence mechanism was discussed. The results show that the strength of K-feldspar increases from 20 °C to 400 °C but decreases significantly when it is higher than 400 °C; the strength of pyroxene increases from 20 °C to 600 °C but decreases when it is higher than 600 °C; the strength of calcite decreases with the increase in temperature. As for the weakening pattern, pyroxene shows drawstring, step and flow with the increase in temperature, but K-feldspar and calcite show that failure occurs along the cleavage plane of the crystal structure. The higher the temperature of microwave irradiation, the finer the pattern at the fractured zone is, and the more fragmented it becomes; the loss of mineral mass increases with the increase in the temperature of microwave irradiation.

Studying on mineralogical and petrological characteristics of Gara Djebilet oolitic iron ore, Tindouf (Algeria)

Demand for iron ore worldwide has been steadily increasing which leads to the extraction of iron ore deposits with more complex mineralogies and higher levels of silicon and phosphorus impurities. This is the case in Algeria with the iron ore deposit of Gara Djebilet, Tindouf; where it has recently been exploited to ensure the sufficiency of iron ore required to produce iron and steel products. This deposit has remained unexploited for several decades due to inadequate knowledge of its mineralogy, treatment, and economic assessments. The aim of this study is to find out the microstructure, chemical composition, and mineralogical distribution of valuable minerals and impurities, to understand the efficient processing methods for this specific iron ore. The characterization of representative ironstone samples taken from the studied area was carried out using optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), petrographic microscope, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results of the mineralogical analyses confirmed that it is an oolitic fine-grained ore consisting of gangue minerals principally composed of quartz, apatite, and iron-rich concentric cored structures. Chemical analyses of the ore indicate that it contains 56.58 wt% Fe with 7.98 wt% SiO2, 7.09 wt% Al2O3, and minor amounts of P2O5, CaO, MgO, and TiO2 compounds. The phosphorus associated was present in both ooids and groundmass, indicating that the ore has a complex texture with very rich and diverse mineralogy. For that, two potential scenarios were proposed for processing of the studied iron ore.

Viscoelasticity modeling of clay minerals by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement and its implications for earthquake faulting

Slip on clay fault planes at shallow depths in the seismogenic zone could be controlled by their rheology as well as their frictional properties; however, the rheological nature of clay faults is still an open question. Investigating the rheological properties of clay minerals is essential for understanding and modeling shallow earthquake faulting. Here, we perform dynamic viscoelasticity measurements on three clay minerals, namely kaolinite, illite, and smectite, wetted with water using a custom-made high pressure, high temperature rheometer. Our results confirm that the rheological properties resulting from the microstructure of clay minerals depend on the oscillation frequency, oscillation amplitude, temperature, and amount of water contained. In addition, the rheological properties vary systematically with the type of clay mineral. This suggests that the viscoelastic behavior of earthquake faults varies with the type of clay minerals present.

Multiscale homogenisation of diffusion in enzymatically-calcified hydrogels

Hydrogels are a promising class of material in biomedical and industrial applications, where both the mechanical and diffusion properties play an important role. The wide range of polymers that can be used and the different production methods allows these properties to be specifically tuned to a high degree for their application. Producing tough hydrogels with high stiffness has been a long-standing challenge that has recently been addressed by mineralisation methods. Those methods modify the hydrogel into one with a supporting mineral microstructure that is highly heterogeneous.This work investigates methods to determine the macroscopic diffusion behaviour of heterogeneous gels by a homogenisation method implemented in a finite element framework. This is applied to two recently developed materials by calcifying poly-dimethyl-acrylamide (PDMA) and polyacrylamide hydrogels (PAAm). The former has porous, spherical inclusions obstructing diffusion, while the latter has spherical pores enabling it. For both gels the unobstructed volume can be used as the primary parameter to tune the diffusivity. In PDMA the porosity of the obstructions is shown by multiscale analysis to give a strong, non-linear dependence of the diffusivity on the solute molecule radius. The framework is extended to other materials and comparisons are made to experimental works from the literature.

A Review of the Evolution Characteristics and Argillization of Clay Interbeds in Rockslides

Weak interlayers in rockslides often become the controlling factor for slope deformation due to their poor physical properties and tendency to undergo argillization. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the weak interlayers will help us comprehend the mechanism of rock slope failure and protect people’s property. Some weak interlayers will develop into clay interbeds after tectonic activity and long-term groundwater action. A comprehensive review of clay interbeds includes a discussion on the formation conditions, the governing factors of the argillization process, and the investigation methods. The clay minerals in clay interbeds, illite, montmorillonite, and Kaolinite, play a major role in the acceleration of the argillization process. The argillization process can be observed through scanning technology and investigated using nonlinear dynamics, statistics, and numerical modeling methods, which may result in limitations for extracting parameters. It is necessary to conclude a unified evaluation standard to find the basic commonness during the argillization process of clay interbeds. It would be a future trend to establish the quantitative relationships among the mechanical strength, micro-structure and content of clay minerals of the clay interbeds during the argillization process.

Changes in the basic structure and strength deterioration of clay minerals with different hydration degrees

AbstractTo investigate the influence of clay mineral microstructures on mechanical properties across varying hydration levels, this study employed molecular dynamics simulations to conduct uniaxial tensile strength tests in three orthogonal directions (x, y, z) using illite, montmorillonite and kaolinite. The moisture content was varied from 0% to 10% in 1% increments and from 0% to 50% in 10% increments. The observations highlight the role of water molecules in disrupting the inherent microscopic atomic structure of clay minerals, leading to diminished stability and a decline in tensile strength. As moisture content increased, there was a pronounced increase in the layer spacing of all three clay minerals, indicative of their hydration expansion behaviour. Concurrently, discernible reductions in both the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the clay minerals were observed.

Constraints of in-situ S-isotopic compositions of pyrite on the genesis of the Bayinqinggeli sandstone-hosted uranium deposit, Ordos Basin, Northern China

Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits are formed by redox interactions between oxidized ore-forming fluids and sufficient reductants, such as sulfide and organic materials within hosting strata, or hydrocarbon-bearing fluids from deep reservoirs. Origin and role of reducing agents are very important for deciphering uranium mineralization processes to guide prospecting, but are hard to be addressed due to rare occurrences, small size, and complex microstructures of minerals at the mineralization stage. The Mesozoic Ordos Basin in the North China Carton is an intracontinental basin, in which many giant sandstone-hosted roll-front uranium deposits form an uranium metallogenic belt. Among these, the Bayinqinggeli uranium deposit has two orebodies that are hosted in sandstones of the Jurassic lower Zhiluo Formation. Adjacent to orebodies, sandstones are variably modified to form oxidized and reduced zones. Pyrite grains from the oxidized zone are replaced by iron oxides, but those from the orebodies and reduced zone are better preserved and widespread. These pyrite grains have three generations based on their morphologies and structures. The early two generations, framboidal Py1 and concentric Py2, occur in the reduced zone and orebodies and formed before the uranium mineralization. They have large variable δ34S values ranging from −51.33‰ to +49.39‰ and −36.88‰ to +21.61‰, respectively. The pre-ore pyrite grains from the orebodies were partially dissolved by later oxidized ore-forming fluids and may act as a reducing agent during the uranium mineralization. The third generation of pyrite, subhedral to euhedral pyrite (Py3) or rims surrounding Py1 and Py2, coexists with uranium minerals, coffinite and pitchblende, and has dominantly negative δ34S values (-51.63‰ to +2.44‰), suggesting the microbial sulfate reduction origin and ruling out the deep hydrocarbon-bearing (CH4) hydrothermal fluids. Therefore, reduced hydrocarbon-bearing hydrothermal fluids outside ore-bearing zones were not necessary for the formation of the giant Bayinqinggeli uranium deposit. Instead, the deposit is more likely to have been formed by the continuous reduction of oxidized ore-forming fluids with the organic and inorganic reductants (e.g., carbonaceous debris and Fe2+-bearing minerals) within the lower Zhiluo Formation.

On the relationship between the mechanical strength and mineral microstructure of biotite granite under temperature influence

Many studies are currently focusing on the mechanical properties of granite from macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, but only several studies on the influence of rock mineral composition on the mechanical properties using a combined macro-micro assessment. The biotite granite in the Gaoligong Mountains was selected as the research object, and the variation strength characteristics at 20–130°C were obtained through uniaxial compression experiments. The rock’s uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus reached peak values at 40°C. The main mineral components of the rock determined by X-ray powder diffraction were quartz, biotite, albite, and potash feldspar. With Material Studio software, molecular dynamics simulations were carried out on the crystal models of quartz, biotite, albite, and potash feldspar at 20–130°C, and relevant mechanical parameters were calculated. The macroscopic and microscopic experimental data were compared and analyzed. The results show that: 1) due to the thermal expansion of minerals in the rock, the original cracks between particles are partially closed, and the sample strength is the largest at 40°C; 2) temperature mostly affects quartz and biotite phases, and the rock strength increases first and then decreases with the temperature increase. The mechanical properties of albite and potash feldspar are less affected by temperature; 3) macroscopic and microscopic experimental results show that the rock strength reaches the peak value in a certain temperature range. The obtained critical temperature is different because the rock sample also contains a small amount of argillaceous rock, siliceous rock, phyllite, and some siliceous and calcareous cement beside the main mineral composition; 4) The structural changes of quartz and biotite are affected by temperature. The bond length of the quartz crystal decreases while that of the biotite crystal first increases and then decreases with the temperature. The mechanism of the temperature influence on the increase of the rock strength is different for these two crystal phases, and it requires further exploration.

Grain boundary widening controls siderite (FeCO3) replacement of limestone (CaCO3)

The microstructure of minerals and rocks can significantly alter reaction rates. This study focuses on identifying transport paths in low porosity rocks based on the hypothesis that grain boundary widening accelerates reactions in which one mineral is replaced by another (replacement reaction). We conducted a time series of replacement experiments of three limestones (CaCO3) of different microstructures and solid impurity contents using FeCl2. Reacted solids were analyzed using chemical imaging, small angle X-ray and neutron scattering and Raman spectroscopy. In high porosity limestones replacement is reaction controlled and complete replacement was observed within 2 days. In low porosity limestones that contain 1–2% dolomite impurities and are dominated by grain boundaries, a reaction rim was observed whose width did not change with reaction time. Siderite (FeCO3) nucleation was observed in all parts of the rock cores indicating the percolation of the solution throughout the complete core. Dolomite impurities were identified to act as nucleation sites leading to growth of crystals that exert force on the CaCO3 grains. Widening of grain boundaries beyond what is expected based on dissolution and thermal grain expansion was observed in the low porosity marble containing dolomite impurities. This leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of grain boundary widening and reaction acceleration instead of reaction front propagation.

Biocrystal assembly patterns, biopolymer distribution and material property relationships in mytilus galloprovincialis, Bivalvia, and haliotis glabra, Gastropoda, shells

Biologically secreted structural materials serve many purposes: protection, defense, locomotion, support, reinforcement. Their specific functions are achieved through the intimate interaction of biopolymer and mineral tissue characteristics: composition, microstructure/fabric, biomaterial properties. Here we highlight and discuss for bivalve and gastropod shells the interrelation between mineral microstructure, texture, organic component fabric and distribution. We investigate these on the micrometer to submicrometer scale. We choose two model organisms living in distinct marine environments constructing their shells with distinct mineral microstructures and biopolymer assemblies. We compare shell structural characteristics for the mollusk H. glabra that forms its purely aragonitic shell of a prismatic and a columnar tablet portion. In contrast, M. galloprovincialis constructs its shell of calcite and aragonite. Calcite fibers comprise outer and sheeted arrangements of aragonite tablets inner shell portions, respectively. Glutaraldehyde fixed/MOPS buffer soluble organic material exists between aragonite prisms, while insoluble organic membranes encase calcite fibers and aragonite tablets. Electron backscatter diffraction demonstrates for the shell layers the marked difference in microstructure and texture. Quasi-static nanoindentation documents that, of the four investigated microstructures, prismatic aragonite forms the hardest and stiffest material. Nacreous aragonite, columnar or sheeted, is less hard and stiff, while the assembly of calcite fibers yields the softest and the most compliant biomaterial. Is toughness considered, the trend is reverted. We show that the toughness of calcite fibers is capable to outperform the tablet arrangements, despite the fact that fibrous calcite gives the weakest microstructure, relative to aragonitic microstructures.

Scale Effect on Uniaxial Compressive Properties of the Outburst-Prone Coal.

Coal is a naturally discontinuous, heterogeneous, and anisotropic brittle material. The uniaxial compressive strength of coals is significantly affected by the sample size-dominated microstructure of minerals and fractures. The scale effect of the mechanical properties of coal is a bridge connecting the mechanical parameters of laboratory-scale coal samples and engineering-scale coal. The scale effect of coal strength is of great significance in explaining the fracturing law of the coal seam and reveal the mechanism of coal and gas outburst disaster. The uniaxial compressive strength of outburst-prone coal samples with different scale sizes was tested, the variation law of uniaxial compressive strength with increasing scale was analyzed, and the mathematical models of both were constructed. The results show that the average compressive strength and elastic modulus of outburst coal decrease exponentially with the increase in scale size, and the decrease rate is reduced. The average compressive strength of the tested coal samples decreased from 10.4 MPa for size 60 × 30 × 30 mm3 to 1.9 MPa for scale 200 × 100 × 100 mm3, which decreases by 81.4%.

Chemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Montevive Celestine Mineral

The Montevive celestine mineral deposit, set in the Granada Basin in a marine evaporitic uppermost Tortonian–lowermost Messinian sequence, is the largest reserve in Europe of this economically important strontium ore. Currently, the mine has a large amount of tailings resulting from the rejection of a manual dry screening of high-grade celestine mineral. This visual and density screening was carried out in the early days of mining (1954–1973). Concentrating the celestine mineral and increasing the ore recovery rate would reduce mine operation costs and the generation of new tailings, reducing the impact on the environment. In order to define more adequate concentration methods, we have used complementary analytical techniques such as optical (OM) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy-dispersive X-rays (EDXs), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to fully characterize the morphology, microstructure, chemistry, and mineralogy of the celestine mineral. The low-grade mineral is made of prismatic celestine crystals that are replacing a matrix of micro sparry calcite. Other minority minerals are strontianite, dolomite, quartz, and clays (kaolinite, paragonite, and illite). There is also a certain amount of iron oxides and hydroxides (mainly magnetite) associated with clays. We showed that the concentration of low-grade celestine mineral can be achieved through a low-cost and eco-friendly method based on grinding and size separation. The coarser fractions (>5 mm) have more celestine (up to 12 percent units higher than the starting unprocessed mineral) due to the selective loss of calcite and minority minerals (quartz, clays, and iron oxides) that are mainly found in the finer fraction (<1 mm). This process can make mine exploitation more sustainable, reducing the generation of residues that negatively impact the environment.

STAGES AND AGE OF METAMORPHISM OF THE EASTERN PART OF KITOY BLOCK (SHARYZHALGAI UPLIFT, SIBERIAN CRATON)

Alumina gneisses and garnet amphibolites of the Eastern part of Kitoy block of Sharyzhalgay uplift (area of the Kitoy sillinanite deposit) were studied. On the basis of petrographic studies of mineral microstructures, chemical zoning, PT-estimates and thermodynamical modelling two studies of metamorphism were found in both types of rocks. The first episode of regional metamorphism (M1) occurred at T=780–800°C and P= 8–9 kbar and was followed by decompression on the retrograde stage. The second stage (M2) occurred at low pressure P=2-4 kbar and in the wide temperature interval T=650-850°C. Two age peaks were established on the basis of U-Pb monazite and zircon dating in garnet-anthophyllite gneisses. Both of them correspond to the Neoarchean age: the age of M1 falls into the interval of ca. 2489–2496 Ma, the age of M2 – ca. 2446–2456 Ma. The high-temperature metamorphism of the Kitoy block and nearly coeval granitoid magmatism can be an evidence for the Neoarchean collision in SW Siberian craton.

Rotational remanent magnetization as a magnetic mineral diagnostic tool at low rotation rates

SUMMARY Prior work on rotational remanent magnetization (RRM) and rotational anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARMROT) has demonstrated promise for magnetic mineral identification in earth materials. One challenge has been to calibrate the measurements to magnetic mineral types and microstructural controls, since previous studies have used differing spin rates, alternating field (AF) intensities and decay times, which hinders a comparison of data sets. Using a RAPID magnetometer we show that the range of usable practical rotation rates is 0.25–3 Hz [rps] which allows a wide range of RRM and ARMROT characteristics to be utilized (at 100 mT AF field, 100 μT bias field). Sets of magnetic mineral extracts from sediments, and well characterized rock samples that contain the key magnetic minerals magnetite, pyrrhotite and greigite are used for a calibration of the RRM-ARMROT behaviour. Detrital pyrrhotite and pyrrhotite-bearing phyllites have largely small positive effective field (Bg) values (up to 6 μT), with differences in Bg and ARMROT ratios at 0.5 and 2.5 Hz [rps] allowing grain size discrimination. The positive Bg values, and changes in RRM and ARMROT with rotation rates allow distinction of pyrrhotite from magnetite and diagenetic greigite. Diagenetic greigite has Bg values of –83 to –109 μT (at 0.5 Hz [rps]) and unusual RRM variation at low rotation rates caused by anisotropy affects. In contrast to previous work, based on crushed and sized natural magnetite at high spin rates, Bg for single domain magnetite from intact bacterial magnetofossils from Upper Cretaceous Chalk has some of the lowest Bg (0–1 μT) and displays a steep decline in ARMROT with increasing rotation rates. A simple tool for particle size characterization of magnetite may be the ratio of ARMROT at spin rates 2.5 and 0.5 Hz [rps]. Stability of RRM is better studied using RRM acquisition with increasing AF field intensity, since static demagnetization imparts a nuisance gyroremanence along the field axis. Mineral microstructure, dislocations and particle interactions are likely additional effects on RRM behaviour that need more investigation.

Mechanochemical effect of spontaneous combustion of sulfide ore

Spontaneous combustion of sulfide ore is a typical disaster in mining, which can cause a series of environmental and safety problems. In order to reveal the mechanical activation’s influence on the spontaneous combustion of sulfide ore during the mining process, the changes in the microstructure of sulfide minerals and their spontaneous combustion kinetics before and after activation were studied in this paper. The most probable mechanism function, apparent activation energy, and pre-exponential factor were derived using the Malek and Friedman methods, respectively. The results showed that mechanical activation leads to aggregation of mineral particles, defect generation in crystals, reduction in crystallize size, and increase in lattice distortion rate, which result in samples more actively. In the process of oxidation and spontaneous combustion, the main products were Fe2O3 and SO2 gas. And the mechanochemical effect will cause the reaction rate to become faster and lead the reaction to move toward low temperature. The mechanochemical effect will also lead to chemical reactions at low temperatures, causing some ore samples to be oxidized without changing the samples’ reaction mechanism functions. After mechanical force, the average apparent activation energy decreased by 26.27 kJ/mol, 32.73 kJ/mol, 27.01 kJ/mol, and 35.30 kJ/mol, respectively, and the sample’s spontaneous combustion tendency increased. In addition, ore samples’ active surface and grain boundary area increased under the mechanical forces, the lattice was distorted and dislocated, and a sub-stable amorphous phase was formed. In this process, the mechanical energy was partially converted into energy storage in the solid material, significantly increasing reactivity.

Four-dimensional X-ray micro-tomography imaging of dynamic processes in geosciences

The dynamic response of rocks to thermal, hydrodynamical, mechanical, and geochemical solicitations is of fundamental interest in several disciplines of geosciences, including geo-engineering, geophysics, rock physics, hydrology, mineralogy, and environmental and soil sciences. From crystal shape to rock microstructure or pore space and fluid distribution, parameters characterizing the rock physico-chemical properties evolve at different time and spatial scales. X-ray micro-tomography (XMT), as a non-invasive and non-destructive imaging technique, offers an unprecedented opportunity to add the fourth dimension, i.e. time, to the three-dimensional spatial visualization of rock and mineral microstructures. The technique is increasingly used to explore dynamic processes in porous and fractured rocks, thanks to synchrotron sources and laboratory XMT scanners, new generations of detectors, and increasing computational power. Image processing allows for tracking the evolution of the fluid–fluid or fluid–mineral interfaces as well as measuring incremental deformations, as rocks deform and react through time under in situ conditions of the sub-surface. Here, we review recent advances in 4D X-ray micro-tomography applied to thermo-hydro-mechano-chemical (THMC) sub-surface processes where fluids, porosity, minerals, and rock microstructures evolve together.

Surface microstructures of lunar soil returned by Chang’e-5 mission reveal an intermediate stage in space weathering process

The lunar soils evolution over time is mainly caused by space weathering that includes the impacts of varying-sized meteoroids and charged particles implantation of solar/cosmic winds as well. It has long been established that space weathering leads to the formation of outmost amorphous layers (50–200 nm in thickness) embedded nanophase iron (npFe0) around the mineral fragments, albeit the origin of the npFe0 remains controversial . The Chang’e-5 (CE-5) mission returned samples feature the youngest mare basalt and the highest latitude sampling site , providing an opportunity to seek the critical clues for understanding the evolution of soils under space weathering. Here, we report the surface microstructures of the major minerals including olivine, pyroxene, anorthite, and glassy beads in the lunar soil of CE-5. Unlike the previous observations, only olivine in all crystals is surrounded by a thinner outmost amorphous SiO2 layer (∼10 nm thick) and embedded wüstite nanoparticles FeO (np-FeO, 3–12 nm in size) instead of npFe0. No foreign volatile elements deposition layer and solar flare tracks can be found on the surface or inside the olivine and other minerals. This unique rim structure has not been reported for any other lunar, terrestrial, Martian, or meteorite samples so far. The observation of wüstite FeO and the microstructures support the existence of an intermediate stage in space weathering for lunar minerals by thermal decomposition.

Research status and prospects on overall mineral use of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay

<p indent="0mm">In recent years, the high-efficiency and high-value development and use of mixed-dimensional clay minerals with large natural reserves have attracted great attention with the over-exploitation and rapid consumption of high-quality clay mineral resources. The reserves of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay ore in China exceed 1 billion tons. Their main mineral component is attapulgite, but they also contain illite, chlorite, kaolinite, illite-smectite mixed-layer minerals, and other minerals. At the same time, the phenomenon of isomorphic substitution is common, and part of the octahedral sheet may be replaced by Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, and other metal ions; therefore, the mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays are mostly brick-red, gray, or khaki. The relative complexity of associated minerals and darker color restrict the large-scale development of the industry. Scientific and technological innovation to realize the “best use” of mixed-dimensional clay mineral resources to develop high-value-added products will be the most important development trend in the future. However, basic theoretical research on the high-value application of mixed-dimensional clay minerals is lacking, so new ideas, approaches, and methods are urgently needed to solve the difficulties and sore points of industrial development. On the basis of a deep understanding of the microstructure of clay minerals, progress has been made in using the total mineral resources of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay, which has preliminarily formed a comprehensive utilization system of “simultaneous transformation of associated minerals—acid leaching for whitening—functional material construction—recovery of acid leaching metal ions—clay mineral biochar—create red pigments based on the red appearance—quartz sand utilization”. Specifically, using mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay to construct various porous silicate materials by structural reorganization; developing a series of methods, including wet, semi-dry, and microwave techniques, to achieve efficient whitening-variegated mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays without damaging the aspect ratio of attapulgite nanorods and the properties of other associated minerals; using the whitened mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays containing one-dimensional fibrous attapulgite and two-dimensional layered clay minerals to construct nanocomposites, such as films and plastics, showing the advantages of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays in improving mechanical properties and realizing the high value of associated minerals; recovering iron, aluminum, magnesium, and other metal ions from the wastewater of acid leaching attapulgite clay to synthesize layered double hydroxide materials to adsorb dyes, antibiotics, and other organic matter, then producing mineral biochar materials by anaerobic calcination for heavy metal-contaminated soil remediation; using the iron-rich properties of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays to construct nanohybrid iron-red mineral pigments, which significantly improve the weather resistance of iron-red pigments; and employing quartz sand obtained by dry separation from clay minerals to construct cobalt-blue hybrid pigments via mechanochemical method. The long-term practice has shown that whitening is the premise for the high-value use of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays, and overall mineral use is the key to industrial development. Therefore, an effective way to simultaneously transform associated clay minerals into attapulgite or other single minerals should be further explored. The structural regulation and transformation mechanism of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays should be clarified to open a new approach for the functional application of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays. In addition, on the basis of the acid leaching for whitening, the differences and complementarities of one-dimensional rod crystals and two-dimensional layered structures in constructing functional composite materials must be systematically studied, and the foundation for mixed-dimensional nanorod crystal/layered structures in functional materials must be laid, finally providing a feasible and reliable approach for the comprehensive use of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay resources.