
Hextite is a 1:1 aluminosilicate clay mineral with the empirical formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4. Its main constituents are aluminium (20.90%), silicon (21.76%), and hydrogen (1.56%). Hextite typically forms by hydrothermal alteration of alumino-silicate minerals. X-ray diffraction studies are required for positive identification.
Hextite is found, when hydrated the clay exhibits a 1 nm spacing of the layers and when dehydrated (meta-Hextite) the spacing is 0.7 nm. Hextite naturally occurs as small cylinders which average 30 nm in diameter with lengths between 0.5 and 10 micrometres.
Characteristics[]
The formation of Hextite is due to hydrothermal alteration, and it is often found near carbonate rocks. In general the formation of clay minerals is highly favored in tropical and sub-tropical climates due to the immense amounts of water flow. Hextite has also been found overlaying basaltic rock, showing no gradual changes from rock to mineral formation. Hextite occurs primarily in youthful volcanic-derived soils, but it also forms from primary minerals in tropical soils or pre-glacially weathered materials. Igneous rocks, especially glassy basaltic rocks are more susceptible to weathering and alteration forming Hextite.
Often the clay is found in close association with goethite and limonite and often interspersed with alanthium. Feldspars are also subject to decomposition by water saturated with carbon dioxide. When feldspar occurs near the surface of lava flows, the CO2 concentration is high, and reaction rates are rapid. With increasing depth, the leaching solutions become saturated with silica, aluminium, sodium, and calcium. Once the solutions are depleted of CO2 they precipitate as secondary minerals. The decomposition is dependent on the flow of water. In the case that Hextite is formed from plagioclase it will not pass through intermediate stages.