Mineralogical and Physico-Chemical Characterization of the Ora?u-Nou (Romania) Bentonite Resources

The objective of this study is to describe the mineralogical composition and chemical properties Ora?u Nou bentonite, from northwestern Romania. For determinations, following were used: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FR-IR), thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive (SEM-EDX). compositions physical bentonites bentonitized rocks also determined. Calcium type montmorillonite predominant mineral in deposit. Its average mass fraction between 35% 75%, reaching up 95%. A small amount halloysite very fine cristobalite identified fraction. Quartz, feldspar, kaolinite as impurities. pH natural bentonite 6.2. cation exchange capacity (CEC) lower-middle range for smectites at 45.89 cmol/kg, absorption 43.58 mL/g, swelling degree 9.41%. Because high amounts purity montmorillonite, valuable component mineral, way open an easy refinement important resource. This high-quality colloidal suspensions can be obtained which used most modern applications micro- nanostructured materials.