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An Electron Optical investigation of Aluminosilicate Cements in Silcretes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2024

Balbir Singh ,
R. J. Gilkes  and
C. R. M. Butt
Balbir Singh
Affiliation:
Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, School of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, W.A. 6009, Australia
R. J. Gilkes
Affiliation:
Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, School of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, W.A. 6009, Australia
C. R. M. Butt
Affiliation:
CSIRO, Division of Exploration Geoscience, Private Bag, P.O. Wembley, W.A. 6014, Australia
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Abstract

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Silcretes developed within the in situ regolith in the Barr Smith Range, Western Australia, were investigated using optical and electron-beam techniques. One of the cementing agents in these silcretes showed gel-like optical properties and had a variable aluminosilicate chemical composition at the scale of electron microprobe analysis so that it might be considered as allophane-like material. High resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the material consists of a fine-grained and poorly ordered kaolinite embedded in a matrix of amorphous silica.

Keywords

Amorphous silicaIon beam thinningKaoliniteSilcreteTransmission electron microscopy
Type
Research Article
Information
Clays and Clay Minerals , Volume 40 , Issue 6 , December 1992 , pp. 707 - 721
Copyright
Copyright © 1992, The Clay Minerals Society

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