Clay Mineralogy XRD
    X-ray Diffraction Mineralogy with Impact
        K/T GeoServices, Inc.
 
 
 
 
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Clay size (<4 micron) analysis by XRD (X-ray diffraction) . This involves quantitative determination of clays and other minerals in the <4 micron fraction.  A final data table includes calculation of weight percent mineralogy, weight percent <4 micron material, and determination of mixed-layer clay types, ordering, and percent expandable interlayers (if any).

A clay analysis can be done by itself but it is usually combined with a bulk analysis to completely characterize a sample.  A Bulk and Clay (<4 micron) XRD Analysis  involves quantitative determination of all rock-forming and clay/phyllosilicate minerals.  A final data table includes calculated weight percent and volume percent mineralogy and calculated grain density.  Also included is determination of mixed-layer clay types, ordering, and percent expandable interlayers (if any).

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Clay minerals routinely analysed for are:
  • Illite and Mica
  • Glauconite
  • Chlorite
  • Kaolinite
  • Smectite
  • Mixed-Layer Illite/Smectite (R=0, R=1 and R=3)
  • Mixed-Layer Chlorite/Smectite
    • X-ray Diffraction Data are used for:
    •  Weight% and volume% mineralogy
    •  Calculated grain densities and Vshale
    •  Multiple-size fraction clay mineral studies
    •  Mixed-layer clay characterization
    •  Drilling, completion and stimulation recommendations
    •  Clastic and carbonate diagenesis
    •  Shale diagenesis and thermal maturation
    •  Analysis of primary siliceous sediments
    •  Wireline log interpretation and calibration
    •  Volume percent mineralogy/density calculations
    •  Reservoir quality and sensitivity
    •  Completion and stimulation design
    •  Shale stability and drilling problems
    •  Produced solids and scale/corrosion products
    •  Drilling mud and frac sand analyses
    •  Clay and zeolite mineralogy of soils
    •  Analysis of synthetic and natural liner materials
    •  Ore mineralogy and hydrothermal deposits
    •  Mineral impurities in raw materials used in manufacturing
    •  Mineral impurities in coals