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Glite Dictionary
illite

illite

9.8
A clay mineral like mica that is found in layered rocks
  • noun
  • /ˈɪlˌaɪt/
  • Specialized
: ilita
  • The scientists analyzed the sediment and found that it contained a significant amount of illite, indicating its formation in a clay-rich environment.
  • K-rich illite

Examples

  • The sand and silt are composed mainly of quartz, and the clays are composed of clay minerals such as kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite, and vermiculite.

    Academic text (1993)

  • During the laboratory tests, the researchers noted that the presence of illite influenced the properties of the clay samples significantly.

  • Finally, all tested specimens presented a dehydration of gels occurring at around 800 degrees C; possibly due to the dehydroxylation of illite and chlorite content in the RCBW, which are not reacted.

    Academic text (2018)

  • The highest weight loss (2.80%) was detected between 677 and 900 degrees C, which is possibly related to the dihydroxylation of 'illite' content in the RCBW sample 36, 37.

    Academic text (2018)

  • Geologists often identify illite in sedimentary rock samples due to its similar structure to mica and its prevalence in clays.

Surface Forms

illite singular
illites plural

Etymology

Illite uses the common mineral ending -ite, which means 'mineral' or 'rock'. So illite is simply the name for a clay mineral — think of it as the clay cousin of mica, with a similar layered structure.