Chapter

Poorly Crystalline Silicate, Oxide, and Organic Colloids

From Introduction to Soil Science by Amber Anderson and Rivka Fidel

Concepts

1. Poorly Crystalline

   "Poorly crystalline silicates are silicon-oxygen minerals with short-range order rather than extensive repeating crystal patterns. They commonly form from volcanic ash and include allophane and imogol

2. Oxides Hydroxides

   "Oxides and hydroxides are highly weathered minerals containing oxygen or hydroxyl groups bonded to metals, especially iron and aluminum. Iron minerals contribute yellow, brown, red, or green colors d

3. Organic Colloids

   "Organic colloids are particles smaller than one micrometer that form through extensive decomposition of plant material and microbial remains. They are concentrated in O and A horizons and are especia