Illite clay
Illite is a 2:1 clay similar in structure
to montmorillonite but has potassium bridges
between the clay layers and the degree of
swelling depends on the degree of Weathering
of the potassium. The active surface area is
reduced due to the potassium bonds.
Illite originates from the modification
of mica, a primary mineral. It is often found
together with montmorillonite and its primary
minerals. It has moderate CEC