Lithology and mineralogy of the Permo-Triassic raw materials used in the tile industry of Castellón (Spain): The Moró clay

The aim of this work is to establish the mineralogical (XRD) composition of the Permo-Triassic claystone known as Moró clay. Particular emphasis is placed on the compositional variations along the litostratigraphic section. Bulk rock XRD analysis shows a homogeneous composition dominated by quartz, phyllosilicates and hematite. Minor components (<5%) include potassium feldspar, dolomite and calcite. The clay minerals assemblage is formed by illite ± kaolin ± chlorite ± mixed-layer illite-smectite ± mixed-layer chlorite-smectite and reveals a sedimentary distribution pattern. The study of the lithological section allows the identification and valuation of changes in the mineralogical characteristics of the raw material. Results provide evidence for the importance of mineralogical analysis in the control of raw materials and hence their use in industrial processes.