Mineral hydration: Difference between revisions
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Mineral hydration is also a process in the [[regolith]] via conversion of silicate minerals into [[clay]] minerals. |
Mineral hydration is also a process in the [[regolith]] via conversion of silicate minerals into [[clay]] minerals. |
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There are two main ways in which minerals hydrate. One is conversion of an [[oxide]] to a double [[hydroxide]], as in the hydration of [[calcium oxide]] - CaO - to [[calcium hydroxide]] - Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>, the other is incorporation of water molecules directly into the crystalline structure of a new mineral, as in the hydration of [[feldspar]]s to [[clay mineral]]s, garnet to chlorite or kyanite to muscovite. |
There are two main ways in which minerals hydrate. One is conversion of an [[oxide]] to a double [[hydroxide]], as in the hydration of [[calcium oxide]] - CaO - to [[calcium hydroxide]] - Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>, the other is incorporation of water molecules directly into the crystalline structure of a new mineral, as in the hydration of [[feldspar]]s to [[clay mineral]]s, [[garnet]] to [[chlorite]] or [[kyanite]] to [[muscovite]]. |
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Some mineral structures, for example, [[montmorillonite]], are capable of including a variable amount of water without significant change to the mineral structure. |
Some mineral structures, for example, [[montmorillonite]], are capable of including a variable amount of water without significant change to the mineral structure. |
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Revision as of 12:24, 22 September 2011
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Mineral hydration is an inorganic chemical reaction where water adds to the crystal structure of a mineral, usually creating a new mineral, usually called a hydrate.
In geological terms, the process of mineral hydration is known as "retrograde alteration and is a process occurring in retrograde metamorphism. It commonly accompanies metasomatism and is often a feature of wall rock alteration around ore bodies. Hydration of minerals occurs generally in concert with hydrothermal circulation which may be driven by tectonic or igneous activity.
Mineral hydration is also a process in the regolith via conversion of silicate minerals into clay minerals.
There are two main ways in which minerals hydrate. One is conversion of an oxide to a double hydroxide, as in the hydration of calcium oxide - CaO - to calcium hydroxide - Ca(OH)2, the other is incorporation of water molecules directly into the crystalline structure of a new mineral, as in the hydration of feldspars to clay minerals, garnet to chlorite or kyanite to muscovite.
Some mineral structures, for example, montmorillonite, are capable of including a variable amount of water without significant change to the mineral structure.
Hydration is the mechanism by which Portland cement develops strength.