Abstract: Allophane is considered collectively to constitute noncrystalline hydrous aluminosilicates, and imogolite is a unique paracrystalline aluminosilicate. These minerals form two of the most common clay constituents of soils derived from volcanic ash over a wide range of climatic conditions. Allophane and imogolite strongly influence the physical and chemical properties of such soils, are often responsible for their low productivity, and affect the suitability and quality of the soils as building materials. The presence of allophane in soils derived from parent material other than volcanic ash and pumice has also been suggested by various investigators. The chapter reviews the mineralogical and chemical properties of allophane and imogolite. A brief mention is made of allophanes formed in deposits and rivers by hydrothermal alteration, precipitation, or other mechanisms, due to the scarcity of data. Allophane and imogolite have a large specific surface area and high chemical reactivity.
Publication Year: 1978
Publication Date: 1978-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 21
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