Thermal magnetic behaviour of Al-substituted haematite mixed with clay minerals and its geological significance

Clay minerals and Al-substituted haematite (Al-hm) usually coexist in soils and sediments. However, effects of clay minerals on Al-hm during thermal magnetic measurements in argon environment have not been well studied. In order to quantify such effects, a series of Al-hm samples were synthesized, and were then mixed with clay minerals (illite, chlorite, kaolinite and Ca-montmorillonite). The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility curves in an argon environment showed that Al-substituted magnetite was produced during the thermal treatment via the reduction of Al-hm by the clay mineral, which leads to a significant magnetic enhancement of the thermal products. In addition, the reductive capacity varies among different types of clay minerals, that is, illite > chlorite > kaolinite > Ca-montmorillonite. Furthermore, the iron content in the clay minerals and Al content of Al-hm are two predominant factors controlling the reduced haematite content. The iron is released from the clay minerals and provides the reducing agent, while Al decreases the crystallinity of haematite and thus facilitates the chemical reaction. Therefore, the thermal magnetic measurements can be used to quantify the Al content of Al-hm in natural samples. Our study provides significant information for palaeomagnetism and environmental magnetism studies, such as thermal magnetic analysis and palaeomagnetic intensity reconstruction using ancient pottery and kilns.