Clay Mineral Collection

Kaolinite
Scanning electron microscope image of kaolinite (x 4.00K). Its a common phyllosilicate mineral, its structure is composed of silicate sheets bonded to aluminum oxide/hydroxide layers

Smokejacks Brickworks, Surrey
Smokejacks Brickworks in Ockley, Surrey shows part of the Upper Weald Clay Formation of Lower Cretaceous (Barremian) age

Eocene London clay
Eli Marsden Wilsons impression of the Eocene (55 to 34 million years ago) London Clay landscape

Tonguestone (sharks tooth) with lateral denticles
Tooth of the extinct shark (Lamna obliqua Agassiz). Specimen orgininating from the London Clay (Eocene), Sheppey, Kent

The Nummulosphere Part I. Front Cover
An account of the organic origin of so-called igneous rocks and of abyssal red clays by Kirkpatrick, Randolph (1863-1950), London. 1913

Pyrophyllite, green radiating in quartz from Berezovsk, Russia. Close-up of specimen on display in the Mineral Gallery at the Natural History Museum, London

Bentonite
A specimen of the mineral Bentonite Reg No. 1926, 216 light grey mass, Range 19, W4, Township 28, Rosedale, Alberta, Canada. Predented by the Canadian Government Exhibition Commision, 1926

Belemnotheutis antiquus
A well-preserved Upper Jurassic squid aged 160 million years. This specimen originates from the famous clay deposits in Wiltshire

Limacina mercinensis, holoplanktonic mollusc
Fossilised specimens of Holoplaktonic molluscs found in early Eocene, London Clay at Highgate, London. 58 million years old

Talc

Fossil collecting near Aveley, Essex
Palaeontologists collecting the remains of a woolly mammoth and a straight-tusked elephant from a clay pit near Aveley, Essex in 1964

Gryphaea arcuata Lamarck, fossil oysters
About 190 million years old, found in the Lias clays and limestones of the Jurassic period. Commonly called Devils Toenails

Clay Toy Turtles and spiders
Watercolour by Olivia Fanny Tonge (1858-1949). Captioned: Clay Toy Turtles with Heads and Legs that waggle costing one anna. Cawnpore

Shale
Compacted platy clay particles give shales their typical laminated structure. Shale is a sedimentry rock which is composed of many fine-grained clay particles

Spizella pallida, Junco hyemalis, Passerina amoena
Plate 398 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1835-38), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

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"Exploring the Fascinating World of Clay Minerals: From Kaolinite to Bentonite" Discovering the wonders hidden within clay minerals takes us on a journey through time and space. Starting with Kaolinite, one of the most common clay minerals found in nature, we delve into its origins at Smokejacks Brickworks in Surrey. Here, amidst the remnants of Eocene London clay, we unearth treasures like Tonguestone adorned with lateral denticles resembling shark's teeth. As we turn over The Nummulosphere Part I's front cover, a realm filled with Pyrophyllite awaits our exploration. This unique mineral captivates us with its delicate structure and mesmerizing properties. Alongside it lies Belemnotheutis antiquus, an ancient creature preserved in Pyrophyllite's embrace. Moving forward, Limacina mercinensis emerges from the depths as a holoplanktonic mollusc that once inhabited our oceans. Its fossilized remains offer insights into prehistoric marine life near Aveley in Essex where avid collectors gather for fossil hunting adventures. Talc stands tall among these remarkable clay minerals; its smoothness and versatility have made it indispensable across various industries throughout history. From cosmetics to ceramics, talc has left an indelible mark on human civilization. Finally, we encounter Bentonite - a powerful agent capable of absorbing toxins and purifying water sources. Its presence reminds us of how essential they are not only for scientific curiosity but also for practical applications that benefit humanity. In this captivating journey through different types of clay minerals - from Kaolinite to Bentonite - we witness their beauty and significance unfold before our eyes. Each mineral tells a story about Earth's past while offering glimpses into potential future uses that may shape our world yet again.