clay minerals
[/kleɪ ˈmɪn.ər.əlz/]
nounpl: clay minerals
minerais de argila
1. Hydrated silicate minerals formed by chemical weathering of rock-forming minerals, characterized by a layered crystal structure and small particle size
Clay minerals such as kaolinite and montmorillonite are essential components of soil.
Minerais de argila como caulinita e esmectita são componentes essenciais do solo.
2. Minerals with plastic properties when wet and hard when dry, commonly used in ceramics, construction, and industrial applications
The pottery was made from clay minerals extracted from the riverbed.
A cerâmica foi feita a partir de minerais de argila extraídos do leito do rio.
3. Fine-grained silicate minerals that absorb water and undergo expansion and contraction with moisture changes
Engineers must account for clay minerals in foundation design due to their shrink-swell potential.
Os engenheiros devem considerar minerais de argila no projeto de fundação devido ao seu potencial de contração-expansão.
Clay minerals are fundamental to understanding soil composition in Brazil, a country with extensive agricultural and construction industries. The term is widely used in academic, industrial, and environmental contexts. In Portuguese-speaking countries, these minerals are studied extensively due to their importance in ceramics production, pottery traditions, and modern industrial applications like pottery and tile manufacturing.
Related Idioms & Phrases
feet of clay - referring to hidden weakness or instability
clay-like properties - describing malleable or adaptable characteristics
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →