How Montmorillonite Is Formed?

Montmorillonite is formed in areas of high pH and electrolyte concentration. It is usually formed from basic and intermediate igneous rocks. Montmorillonite is formed by weathering of volcanic ash under poor drainage conditions or in saline environment.

Where is montmorillonite found?

Montmorillonite was first described in 1847 for an occurrence in Montmorillon in the department of Vienne, France, more than 50 years before the discovery of bentonite in the US. It is found in many locations worldwide and known by other names.

What kind of mineral is montmorillonite?

Montmorillonite (MMT) is a natural clay mineral belonging to the smectite group. It is a dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate constituted by two tetrahedral sheets (T:O:T) and one octahedral sheet. Unlike other clay nanoparticles, the montmorillonite presents an interlayer space between each triple-sheet-layer (Fig. 13–5).