Exchangeable cations in Cretaceous bentonites from Wyoming and Montana

The research described herein was designed to determine the relationship between physical and chemical properties of bentonite and to evaluate the feasibility of using chemical properties of bentonites to predict their suitability for various industrial uses. Samples were chosen from both Wyoming and Montana from as broad an areal and stratigraphic distribution as possible. They may or may not be typical of mine-grade bentonite or of "average" bentonite. Samples described as containing volcanic ash or as being otherwise contaminated were omitted from this study.