Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
A group of hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates minerals that may contain minor amounts of other elements such as potassium, magnesium iron etc., typically formed over long periods through weathering processes.
Weathering: The breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on Earth’s surface caused by natural elements such as water, wind or temperature change.
Silicate Minerals: The largest family of minerals, including quartz and feldspar, that contain silicon and oxygen atoms.
Hydrous Minerals: Minerals that contain water in their structure.