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Science 24 June 1977:
Vol. 196. no. 4297, pp. 1446 - 1448
DOI: 10.1126/science.196.4297.1446
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Articles

Desert Varnish: The Importance of Clay Minerals

RUSSELL M. POTTER 1 and GEORGE R. ROSSMAN 1

1 Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125

Desert varnish has been characterized by infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. It is a distinct morphological entity having an abrupt boundary with the underlying rock. Clay minerals comprise more than 70 percent of the varnish. Iron and manganese oxides constitute the bulk of the remainder and are dispersed throughout the clay layer.

Submitted on February 1, 1977


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