Geochemistry of colloid systems for earth scientists

This book deals with the properties of colloids and their occurrence and behaviour in natural geological systems. After an introduction to colloid science, silicates and aqueous solutions the authors describe various geological colloid systems including clays, soils, fluidised beds, magmas, the oceans and the atmosphere. 5 chapters deal with theoretical aspects and specific features of colloid systems such as the physical chemistry of surfaces, hydrophobic colloids, the kinetic properties and rheology of colloid systems and interactions between solid particles dispersed in colloids. Surface coatings of rocks and grains of minerals and the colloid geochemistry of silica, of clay minerals and of argillaceous sediments are all dealt with in separate chapters. The last one includes a discussion of diagenesis of clays and organic matter in relation to the generation of hydrocarbons. -I.McTaggart