Nomenclature for regular interstratifications

Abstract

It is now generally accepted that species names can be given to regularly interstratified clay minerals, in accordance with the recommendation of the AIPEA Nomenclature Committee (Brindley & Pedro, 1970). In Part A of this report we suggest (i) criteria for defining the degree of regularity of alternation of different layer types that should merit a name, (ii) data that should be provided for documentation of a regular interstratification, and (iii) some examples of interstratifications that do not merit names. In Part B of the report we apply the suggested criteria to the analysis of regular interstratifications previously reported in the literature, and make recommendation regarding the usage of existing names.