The Occurrence of Palygorskite in Sarir Sahara Soils

Abstract

In this short communication, the palygorskite minerals of Sarir Sahara soils were clarified by differential thermal analysis, infra-red study and electron microscopy. The differential analysis study of the clay fraction reveals endothermal peaks at 200-300 and 400-500 C. These endothermal peaks are characteristics of palygorskite. The infrared study of the clay fraction upon deuteration revealed that the three bands associated with palygorskite are 2625, 2650, and 2670cm-1. Varification of palygorskite minerals in these soils were also done by using electron transmission microscope studies. Particles with fibrous morphology characteristics of palygorskite are shown.