Dissolution of Palygorskite by Hydrochloric Acid

AbstractThe dissolution of palygorskite by hydrochloric acid was studied by X‐ray, thermal, chemical and electron microscopy methods. The course of the dissolution process depends on the conditions of attack and the nature of the sample. Mild treatment results in preferential removal of Mg. Stronger attack dissolves the whole octahedral layer leaving a silicate gel which maintains most of the original external morphology. Palygorskite from Quincey with a higher Mg content is more susceptible to acid attack than Palygorskite from Amram which has a higher Al content.