Clay

Such minerals are formed due to the weathering and denudation of rocks over the years. When silicate bearing rocks weather due to the presence of dilute solvents or low amounts of carbonic acid, clay is formed. These solvents seep into the rocks through a process known as leaching. In some places, it is also formed due to hypothermal activity.

You can distinguish the mineral from other fine grained soils due to their size. Silts generally contain larger particles. There are four different types; kaolinite, montmorillonite-smectite, illite and chlorite. There is plenty of controversy regarding chlorite, with it being sometimes classified as a separate phyllosilicates group.

Furthermore, musical instruments like the Ocarina are shaped from it. It is used widely as an industrial ingredient, and is used in the making of paper, cement and also in chemical filtering. Some tobacco pipes are also made using the substance. Being impermeable to water, it is often used to cover cracks and leaks, especially in dams. It can also be used for air purification and to remove heavy materials from water.

Traditionally, it has also been used for medicinal purposes; it can be used to pacify an upset stomach as has been discovered by man and parrots. More recently, it has been used to as a spray to repel moths and to prevent sun scalding. Some scientists also claim that it has the ability to kill some types of bacteria. Being so versatile, it is no surprise that this is one of the most useful minerals available to man in the world today.

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