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Mineralogy of Soil Profiles: Iredell and Durham Soils from the Piedmont Province of North Carolina

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Clays and Clay Minerals

Abstract

A comparative study of two soil profiles derived from a biotite-granite and from a metagabbro in the Piedmont Province of North Carolina was made. Intensive weathering of the granite has yielded a soil (Durham) with a clay fraction composed of a kaolinite-halloysite intermediate, mica, and quartz. Restricted weathering of the metagabbro has resulted in a soil (Iredell) with a clay fraction composed of a complex assemblage of chlorite, beidellite, vermiculite, interlayered talc-like minerals, and quartz.

The data indicate that the Durham soil is derived from the severe alteration of a granite and that it represents an advanced stage in soil formation. The Iredell soil has been derived from the less active weathering of a metagabbro and represents a retarded, youthful stage in soil formation. The clay mineral assemblage of the Durham is that of a comparatively stable end product of weathering; that of the Iredell is indicative of a complex, unstable early stage in weathering.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. U. S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

    B. N. Rolfe

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  1. B. N. Rolfe
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Publication authorized by Director, U. S. Geological Survey.

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Rolfe, B.N. Mineralogy of Soil Profiles: Iredell and Durham Soils from the Piedmont Province of North Carolina. Clays Clay Miner. 2, 183–189 (1953). https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.1953.0020116

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.1953.0020116

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