An ideal solid solution model for calculating solubility of clay minerals

Abstract

Abstract A method for estimating Gibbs free energies and stabilities of clay minerals is proposed for use with computer programs aimed at calculating the chemical evolution of natural water-rock systems. This is based on (i) a model for ideal solid solutions of a large number of end-member compositions and (ii) a data set of estimated solubility products from 36 end-members. The application of the method to the production of experimental or natural clay stabilities is discussed.