Final answer:
Clay minerals are fine-grained minerals formed from weathering and decomposition of rocks. The five common clay minerals are kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, chlorite, and smectite.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clay minerals are fine-grained minerals that are commonly found in the earth's crust. They are formed from the weathering and decomposition of rocks. The five common clay minerals are:
- Kaolinite: This is the most common clay mineral and is often used in ceramics and pottery.
- Illite: It is a clay mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks.
- Montmorillonite: This clay mineral has a high swelling capacity and is used in drilling fluids and as a binder in foundry sand.
- Chlorite: It is a greenish clay mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks.
- Smectite: This clay mineral has a high water-holding capacity and is used in the production of cat litter.