In: Chemistry
What is the chemical reaction equation when Vermiculite comes in contact with soil?
Vermiculite is the name of a group of hydrated laminar minerals (aluminum-iron magnesium silicates) which look like mica, (Mg,Fe+2,Fe+3)3[(Al,Si)4O10](OH)2·4H2O
The ion exchange methods reactions are more rapid on soil minerals such as kalominite and oxides than on the soil surface such as vermiculite and mica. This is attributed to extend exchange site in kalominite versus the multiple regions of exchange sites with vermiculite and mica. Extended planner, edge, and interlayer exists on the surface of vermiculite and mica with some of the latter partially or totally collapsed. The rate of reaction is very high.