Alteration of the Callovo–Oxfordian clay from Meuse-Haute Marne underground laboratory (France) by alkaline solution. I. A XRD and CEC study

The reaction of the clay fraction of the Callovo–Oxfordian hard shale formation hosting the French underground laboratory site, with high pH NaOH, KOH and Ca(OH)2 solutions has been investigated through closed system experiments at 60, 90 and 120 °C over 6, 24 and 168 h. The mineralogical composition of the run samples has been determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) of randomly oriented powders showing the formation of different species of zeolites (analcime, chabazite, phillipsite) and Ca silicates (tobermorite, katoite). The phyllosilicates were studied using XRD of oriented preparations and cation exchange capacity measurements. Detrital or diagenetic mica and chlorite in the <2 μm fraction remain unchanged. On the contrary, the smectite and random illite–smectite mixed layer minerals are strongly reactive. The expandable layers of montmorillonite type are selectively dissolved while beidellitic ones survive or are transitionally formed.