Natural and synthetic poorly crystallized lepidocrocite

Poorly crystallized lepidocrocites precipitated from ferriferous spring waters differ from better crystallized samples by differentially broadened X-ray diffraction lines and higher basal spacings. On the basis of high magnification EM, this was explained as due to the fact that the lath-like crystals consist only of 3–15 unit layers with possibly weakened H-bonding between the layers. These properties are analogous to those of the so called ‘pseudoboehmite’ as compared to boehmite. Poorly crystallized lepidocrocites, exhibiting similar features, were synthesized by oxidation of Fe(II) solutions. From these experiments it was suggested that such lepidocrocite forms in nature by a rapid oxidation of Fe 2+ in spring water when it emerges at the surface.