01 / Clay mineralogy
Identify the assemblage
Detailed XRD analysis places the clay minerals within the wider rock composition.
← All services
CHARACTERISE / SERVICE 10
Clay characterisation & CEC.
Detailed clay mineralogy, cation exchange capacity and exchangeable-cation analysis connect mineral composition with fluid–rock interpretation.
THE QUESTION
Which clay properties matter to your programme?
Clay identification and exchange capacity answer complementary questions. Select the analytical route around the material, the intended interpretation and the need for direct measurements or calibrated screening.
Methods & applications
- Detailed clay mineralogy by XRD
- Direct cobalt hexamine (CoHex) CEC analysis
- HSMQ-FTIR-derived CEC screening with direct validation
- Exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium
- Integrated mineralogical and fluid–rock interpretation
MINERALS · EXCHANGE · INTERACTION
From clay composition to test design.
02 / Exchange capacity
Measure or calibrate
Distinguish direct CoHex CEC from HSMQ-derived screening and separately scoped exchangeable-cation analysis.
03 / Fluid–rock context
Connect to the next test
Use mineralogy and CEC to guide follow-on testing, not as a substitute for a measured fluid–rock response.
INFORMED ANALYTICAL PROGRAMME
Combine complementary measurements, retain the distinction between direct and derived results, and identify where further testing is needed.
Conceptual illustrations · not to scale.
CLAY MINERALOGY & EXCHANGE CAPACITY
Choose the right analytical route.
Detailed clay analysis
Use XRD to characterise the clay-mineral assemblage, with preparation and reporting selected for the material. Relate the clay findings to bulk mineralogy and the wider geological context.
Direct CoHex CEC
Cobalt hexamine (CoHex) analysis provides a direct, method-defined cation exchange capacity result for each accepted sample. Results include units, sample references and quality-control status.
HSMQ-derived CEC with direct validation
Use HSMQ-FTIR-derived CEC to screen a sample set, then select direct CoHex analyses across the observed range, anomalies and model-limit cases. Compare paired results before extending the interpretation.
Exchangeable cations
Exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium can be commissioned as a separate analytical addition using an agreed exchange procedure.
Comparison and reporting
Deliver method-labelled tables, paired comparisons and a review of bias, spread and outliers. Recommend further direct analyses where screening and reference measurements do not agree.
Connect with fluid–rock studies
Use the mineralogical and exchange-capacity evidence to inform sample selection and follow-on fluid–rock testing. Confirm the observed response through the relevant tests rather than inferring compatibility from CEC alone.
HSMQ-derived CEC is distinguished from direct CoHex CEC. XRD provides complementary mineralogical context. Full mineralogical quantification and exchangeable-cation analysis are separately defined reporting scopes.
Explore fluid–rock interaction testing ↗A clearly scoped delivery.
CTS is your point of contact for planning the programme and bringing the results together. Where specialist laboratory or interpretation input is required, delivery responsibilities are identified in your proposal.
The scope distinguishes the measurement package and its included outputs from additional processing, interpretation and interactive reporting. Sample requirements and method limitations are confirmed before work begins.
A CONNECTED WORKFLOW
From question to evidence.
- 01
Define the analytical question and select samples
- 02
Agree preparation and the measurement route
- 03
Review mineralogy, CEC and selected cations
- 04
Integrate findings and identify further testing
Interpretation boundary
XRD mineral identification does not replace a CEC measurement. HSMQ-derived CEC is a calibrated estimate, distinct from direct CoHex analysis. Clay mineralogy and CEC alone do not establish swelling, formation damage or fluid compatibility.