Clay Minerals
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.
Analogy
Imagine clay minerals as old wise sages who have seen it all. They've been around for ages (formed over long periods), they're complex characters (composed from various elements), and they carry stories from past times within them (formed through weathering processes).
Related terms
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.
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