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Abstract~he transformation of kaolinite to halloysite-7 .~ was identified in the kaolin deposit of S~o Vicente de Pereira (SVP), using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both the 02,1 i and 13,13 reflections show changes in the XRD patterns along the kaolinite to halloysite-7 ,~ transition, and the FTIR spectra show changes corresponding to both OH and Si-O-stretching bands and Al-O-Si-bending vibrations. The interlayer water content in the kaolinite structure increases during transition. The two-layer periodicity of well-ordered kaolinite and rolling up of kaolinite plates are observed using hi~h-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Long and short tubes exhibit halloysite-7 A. No structural Fe was found in the kaolinite samples. Analytical electron microscopy (AEM) indicates no substitution of AP § for Si 4+. The Si/A1 ratio shows values of --1 for the kaolinite and rolled kaolinite plates. The 27A1 magic angle spinning neutron magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) spectra display a resonance centered at -1 ppm, assigned to six-coordinated aluminum. The transformation of kaolinite to halloysite-7 A. is controlled by surface reaction.

Middle/late Devonian and early Carboniferous metasedimentary sequences in the northernmost region (Porto-Espinho-Tomar) of the Ossa-Morena Zone (Portuguese Iberian Variscan Massif) contain black shales of very low to low-grade metamorphism. These metasedimentary rocks form a discrete NNW-SSE structure within a major shear zone (Porto-Tomar-Ferreira do Alentejo) and remain subparallel to the observed regional major structures (folding, thrusts or overthrusts). These black shales are overhanged and then imbricated in an upper Proterozoic metamorphic substratum. A multidisciplinary study of these metasedimentary rocks from the Espinho-Tomar region has tectonostratigraphy, palynology, organic petrology and clay mineralogy combined methods. This approach provides new insights into the tectonic evolution and geological framework of Palaeozoic basement of the Iberian Variscides. Palaeoenvironmental and tectonostratigraphic implications on the Iberian geodynamic framework are discussed.

The use of clay by humans for medicinal and wellness purposes is most probably as old as mankind. Within minerals, due to its ubiquitous occurrence in nature and easy availability, clay was the first to be used and is still used worldwide. Healing clays have been traditionally used by man for therapeutic, nutritional and skin care purposes, but they could impart some important health and skin care risks. For instance, clay particles could adsorb and make available for elimination or excretion any potential toxic elements or toxins being ingested or produced, but they could adsorb and make available for incorporation, through ingestion or through dermal absorption, toxic elements, e.g. heavy metals. Edible clays, a particular case of healing clays, have been traditionally used by man for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. Geophagy, the deliberate soil eating, earth eating, clay eating and pica (medical condition or eating disorder shown by individuals addicted to eat earth substances), has been observed in all parts of the world since antiquity, reflecting cultural practice, religious belief and physiological needs, be they nutritional (dietary supplementation) or as a remedy for disease. This paper pretends to review historical data, basic concepts and functions, as well as benefits and risks of the use of healing clays, in general, for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, and of edible clays, in particular, for therapeutic purposes.