Abstract
Silcretes developed within the in situ regolith in the Barr Smith Range, Western Australia, were investigated using optical and electron-beam techniques. One of the cementing agents in these silcretes showed gel-like optical properties and had a variable aluminosilicate chemical composition at the scale of electron microprobe analysis so that it might be considered as allophane-like material. High resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the material consists of a fine-grained and poorly ordered kaolinite embedded in a matrix of amorphous silica.
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Singh, B., Gilkes, R.J. & Butt, C.R.M. An Electron Optical investigation of Aluminosilicate Cements in Silcretes. Clays Clay Miner. 40, 707–721 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.1992.0400610
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1346/CCMN.1992.0400610