Clays presents the fundamentals of the mineralogy and geology of clays
through clear explanations of the mineralogical and geological problems
involving clay minerals. It first introduces key concepts
(crystallography and mineralogy of clays, thermodynamics, isotope
chemistry, surface physical properties), setting the stage for readers
to learn how clay minerals are formed or transformed in the principal
geological environments at the Earth's surface. Abundant illustrations,
short paragraphs, exercises and applications support the comprehension
of key concepts underlying crystallography, chemical reactions and
geological situations. Theoretical demonstrations are reduced to the
minimum necessary to grasp the fundamentals. Aimed for graduate students
and scientists (geologists, geographers, engineers, environmental and
soil scientists), Clays provides a comprehensive introduction to an
important geological topic.