Morphology and Genesis of Kaolinite in Coals: A Sem Study

Abstract

Three types of crystal morphology; viz., stacks or books, elongated crystals, and card-house structure are observed. These morphological forms characterise the kaolinite as free slacking type. The occurrence of stacks or books as well as elongated crystals in vitrain suggest formation of vitrain and development of these morphological forms under a low electrolyte water condition, whereas, the dominance of card-house structure in durain is suggestive of coagulative processes and flocculation and high electrolyte concentration during the development of dull bands.