Calculated X-ray diffraction curves for the interpretation of a three-component interstratified system

Three-component interstratification of layer silicate minerals in the clay fractions of soils and sediments is probably more common than is generally realized. However, interpretation of the proportion and arrangement of the various components from experimentally recorded X-ray diffraction curves is difficult and in this paper a series of calculated diffraction patterns are presented which illustrate the types of diffraction patterns obtained from interstratified mica-vermiculite-montmorillonite systems.