The high cation adsorption capacity of vermiculite is due primarily to the substitution of silicon atoms for aluminum in the tetrahedral sheet.

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The high cation adsorption capacity of vermiculite is due primarily to the ability of its interlayer spaces to attract and hold positively charged ions. This is facilitated by the negative charges on the surfaces of the layers, which arise from the substitution of magnesium and/or iron ions for aluminum in the octahedral sheet. Silicon substitution in the tetrahedral sheet has a secondary effect on cation adsorption capacity.

The High Cation Adsorption Capacity of Vermiculite Is Due Primarily