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illite

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | 447 words | Copyright

illite (hydromuscovite) Common clay mineral and important member of the 2:1 group of phyllosilicates (sheet silicates) with the formula K1−1.5 Al4[Si7−6.5 Al1−1.5 O20](OH)4, which possesses an overall negative charge due to incomplete charge balance; sp. gr. 2.6–2.9; hardness 1–2; monoclinic; crystals form tiny flakes; formed by the weathering decomposition or hydrothermal alteration of muscovite or feldspar.

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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "illite." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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