Smectite is structural formula of the dioctahedral aluminous
species may be represented by (Al2–yMg2+/y) (Si4–xAlx)O10(OH)2
M+/x+ynH2O, where M+ is the interlayer exchangeable cation
expressed as a monovalent cation and where x and y are the
amounts of tetrahedral and octahedral substitutions, respectively.
The frequency at 522 cm1 for smectite is due to AlAOASi deformation
[37]. Prolonged exposure to Smectite Clay dust may cause
a relatively benign lung disease, though there is a risk of the development
of massive fibrosis. Repeated and prolonged exposure to
respirable crystalline quartz which may be contained in Smectite
Clay dust may cause delayed (chronic) lung injury (silicosis).