Compositional Variations in Smectites: Part I. Alteration of Intermediate Volcanic Rocks. A Case Study from Milos Island, Greece

The chemistry of smectites from some bentonite deposits derived from intermediate rocks has been examined by electron microprobe methods. A large variation in chemical composition within very short distances, principally controlled by a well-defined negative relationship between Si and A1, and between A1 VI and Fe 3+ and A1 VI and Mg has been observed. On the other hand, Mg does not vary systematically with either Si or Fe 3+ . In several bentonites beidellite coexists with montmorillonite and there is a compositional transition between the two smectite minerals, implying the existence of a possible solid-solution series. This transition occurs only when Cheto-type montmorillonites are present, being absent for Wyoming-type montmorillonites. No compositional transition between Wyoming-and Cheto-type montmorillonite was observed. It is believed that the compositional variations reflect initial chemical gradients originated during the devitrification of the volcanic glass, due to the migration of chemical components.