PALYGORSKITE MINERALIZATION IN THE ATOTONILCO EL GRANDE FORMATION (HIDALGO, MEXICO): IMPLICATIONS FOR CATALYTIC APPLICATIONS

From an industrial perspective, palygorskite exhibits promising potential as a catalytic support, adsorbent, and cementitious additive. Dolomite complies with national and international standards for use in cement, metallurgy, and agriculture. Siderite constitutes a viable ferrous iron source, although its suitability in ordinary Portland cement requires further evaluation. Palygorskite, dolomite, and siderite from the Atotonilco el Grande Formation (Hidalgo, Mexico), located in a Pliocene rift-type geodynamic setting, were mineralogically characterized. Indirect exploration methods and advanced analytical techniques were employed, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gravity separation using a Wilfley shaking table. The results confirmed the presence of fibrous monoclinic palygorskite (PDF 96-901-0433), dominant dolomite (PDF 96-900-3518), and minor siderite (PDF 96-901-5686). XPS analysis revealed lithium (~0.3?%) in the palygorskite matrix, representing a novel finding for rift-related environments in Mexico. Gravity separation enabled effective isolation of each mineral phase based on density, facilitating detailed individual characterization. This work represents a pioneering contribution to the study of lithium-bearing clays and industrial carbonates in Mexican rift environments, with potential applications in strategic sectors such as catalysis, energy, metallurgy, environmental remediation, and construction. Key Words: Mineralization; Palygorskite; Atotonilco el Grande Formation; Catalysis; Rift.