Detailed study of smectite genesis in granitic saprolites by analytical electron microsopy

Smectite genesis in two granitic saprolites was studied, using qualitative and quantitative mineralogical methods and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The primary minerals (plagioclase and mica) give rise to the formation of different kinds of smectites according to the weathering conditions (pH and drainage). Under a relatively basic, drained environment, a neoformed montmorillonite with a spheroidal organization exists in fillings of plagioclase cores. In the same conditions biotites are transformed into beidellites with a quasi-crystal organization. Under hydromorphic conditions, muscovites evolve incompletely towards smectites, whereas biotites lead to a montmorillonite with a tactoid organization.