Our news https://ruclay.com ru Fri, 22 May 2026 13:15:27 +0300 RADIOCHEMISTRY - 2022 https://ruclay.com/tpost/f9150zif11-radiochemistry-2022 https://ruclay.com/tpost/f9150zif11-radiochemistry-2022?amp=true Thu, 29 Sep 2022 18:04:00 +0300 Conferences From September 26 to 30, the X Russian Conference "Radiochemistry-2022" was held in Saint Petersburg.

RADIOCHEMISTRY - 2022

We took part in the X Russian Conference RADIOCHEMISTRY-2022, which took place in Saint Petersburg from September 26 to 30.

The conference was organized by the State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom", the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Interdepartmental Council on Radiochemistry under the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Rosatom, and the V.G. Khlopin Radium Institute.

The collection of abstracts is available at the link.
]]> Establishment of the new Scientific Center https://ruclay.com/eng/newsclever Wed, 28 Dec 2022 14:02:00 +0300 Scientific Center "Engineering Barriers" A meeting dedicated to the establishment of the Scientific Center for the Development and Assessment of Long-Term Safety of Engineered Barriers for Radioactive Waste Isolation (SC "Engineered Barriers") was held at IGEM RAS.

Establishment of the new Scientific Center

A meeting dedicated to the establishment of the Scientific Center for the Development and Assessment of Long-Term Safety of Engineered Barriers for Radioactive Waste Isolation (SC "Engineered Barriers") was held at IGEM RAS.]]> IGEM RAS and TPU Signed an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation https://ruclay.com/tpost/v0hvyhdba1-igem-ras-and-tpu-signed-an-agreement-on https://ruclay.com/tpost/v0hvyhdba1-igem-ras-and-tpu-signed-an-agreement-on?amp=true Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0300 Spotlight TPU will cooperate with the leader of Russian science in the fields of radiogeochemistry and radio geoecology.

IGEM RAS and TPU Signed an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation

IGEM RAS conducts fundamental scientific research in Earth sciences, including geology of ore deposits, metallogeny, petrology, mineralogy and crystal chemistry, geochemistry, isotope geochemistry and geochronology, radiogeology and radio geoecology, geoinformatics, volcanism and natural disasters, magmatism and mineral genesis of the World Ocean and Arctic Zone. The Institute has gained worldwide recognition as a leader in Russian science in the fields of radiogeochemistry and radio geoecology, and also maintains its position as the leading organization in Russian science for the development of theories of ore formation, petrology, metasomatism and metamorphism, genetic mineralogy and crystal chemistry, ore geochemistry and mantle geochemistry.

The agreement was signed by Dmitry Sednev, Rector of TPU, and Vladislav Petrov, Director of IGEM RAS. The main areas of cooperation include personnel training, development of new methodological approaches and technologies, conducting joint R&D, and engaging specialists for lectures, seminars, and consultations.

Earlier, with the support of TVEL and MSU, Tomsk Polytechnic University opened a research center for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities (RCD NF), which includes a laboratory for the study of clay-containing barrier materials. According to Alexander Pavlyuk, Acting Director of RCD NF at TPU, the project of greatest mutual interest is "Substantiation of the selection of barrier clay materials used in the implementation of projects at the final stage of the life cycle of nuclear energy facilities."

"By joining forces with IGEM RAS – an organization that successfully conducts work in the field of development and substantiation of the acceptability of engineered barriers to ensure safe isolation of radioactive waste (RW) at nuclear- and radiation-hazardous facilities – we are confident that we can achieve significant results in this area," notes Evgeny Bespala, Deputy Vice-Rector for Science and Technology Transfer at TPU.

"To date, IGEM RAS has accumulated unique experience in the field of studying engineered barrier components and substantiating the assessment of safety functions for radioactive waste isolation. Specialized equipment has been developed and acquired, and unique experimental setups have been created that allow obtaining a wide range of experimental data necessary for modeling the evolution of barrier properties over the time period specified by the project. We expect that cooperation with Tomsk Polytechnic University will allow us to jointly find answers to the applied and fundamental questions currently facing the research and education community and the industry," emphasized Victoria Krupskaya, Leading Researcher at IGEM RAS.
]]> Sergey Mironov Visited the Scientific Center "Engineered Barriers" https://ruclay.com/eng/news_sc Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:36:00 +0300 Scientific Center "Engineering Barriers" On the eve of Geologist Day, Sergei Mironov, Chairman of the Political Party "A JUST RUSSIA – FOR TRUTH" and head of the party faction in the State Duma, visited the IGEM RAS.

Sergey Mironov Visited the Scientific Center "Engineered Barriers"

On the eve of Geologist Day, Sergei Mironov, Chairman of the Political Party "A JUST RUSSIA – FOR TRUTH" and head of the party faction in the State Duma, visited the IGEM RAS.]]> We visited the "Analitika Expo" Exhibition https://ruclay.com/tpost/mxs2aezs01-we-visited-the-analitika-expo-exhibition https://ruclay.com/tpost/mxs2aezs01-we-visited-the-analitika-expo-exhibition?amp=true Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:41:00 +0300 Scientific Center "Engineering Barriers" The largest exhibition of laboratory equipment took place from April 11 to 14, 2023.

We visited the "Analitika Expo" Exhibition

"Analitika Expo" is the only cross-industry exhibition of laboratory equipment and chemical reagents in Russia.

Various participating companies showcase laboratory equipment, furniture, glassware, chemical reagents, laboratory research automation tools, and measuring and control equipment.

The exhibition allows visitors to explore advanced and new equipment available on the market, as well as provides an opportunity for direct communication with equipment suppliers, among other things.

"Analitika Expo" is visited by specialists from research, independent and industrial laboratories from various industries: geological, chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, medical, oil and gas, and others, as well as distributors of laboratory equipment and representatives of companies specializing in the design, construction, renovation and comprehensive equipping of laboratories.

More information is available on the "Analitika Expo" exhibition website via the link.
]]> CLAYS-2023 https://ruclay.com/tpost/8ll6yannp1-clays-2023 https://ruclay.com/tpost/8ll6yannp1-clays-2023?amp=true Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:33:00 +0300 Conferences From June 13 to 16, 2023, the 6th Russian Meeting on Clays and Clay Minerals was held in Saint Petersburg.

CLAYS-2023

On June 13−16, 2023, the "6th Russian Meeting on Clays and Clay Minerals — CLAYS-2023" was held at the Institute of Geology and Geochronology of the Precambrian of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGGD RAS) with the support of the event’s sponsors — LLC "COMPANY BENTONITE", PVP "SNK", and LLC "TESCAN".
Within the framework of the Meeting, plenary, oral and poster presentations were presented across 5 sections, covering issues related to the genesis of clay minerals, their transformation during geological processes, behavior during weathering, soil formation, redeposition, metamorphism, crystal chemistry of clay minerals, physicochemical, sorption, water-physical and other properties of clays, development of methods for their identification and isotopic dating, as well as issues of the application of clay minerals in industry, the oil and gas sector, ecology, medicine, etc.

Diplomas and prizes for the best oral and poster presentations among students and young scientists were awarded to:

  • Artemyev Grigory Denisovich, IPCE RAS, Moscow
  • Alikina Yulia Alexandrovna, ISC, Saint Petersburg
  • Danilin Igor Vyacheslavovich, Lomonosov MSU, Moscow
  • Zakusina Anastasia Vyacheslavovna, Lomonosov MSU, Moscow
  • Morozov Ivan Arkadievich, IGEM RAS, Moscow
  • Krot Anna Dmitrievna, Lomonosov MSU, Moscow
  • Mezentseva Sofya Sergeevna, Bauman MSTU, Moscow
  • Roshchin Marat Olegovich, MGRI, Moscow

Best Presenters among Students and Young Scientists at the 6th Russian Meeting on Clays and Clay Minerals

The conference was attended by 98 people in person and 15 people remotely. A total of 32 oral and 34 poster presentations were presented, as well as 2 presentations from conference sponsors dedicated to equipment for the analysis of clay mineral composition and the features of using modern equipment in Earth sciences.
It was decided to hold the next 7th Russian Meeting on Clays and Clay Minerals – "CLAYS-2025" in 2025 in Tomsk, with the support of Tomsk Polytechnic University and TomskNIPIneft (Chair – L.G. Sukhikh, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Acting Rector of TPU; Scientific Secretary – M.A. Rudmin, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences (PhD), Associate Professor, rudminma@tpu.ru).
You can access the full report on the CLAYS-2023 conference via the link.
]]> Announcements of Upcoming Events https://ruclay.com/tpost/joxem2bnl1-announcements-of-upcoming-events https://ruclay.com/tpost/joxem2bnl1-announcements-of-upcoming-events?amp=true Thu, 14 Sep 2023 16:47:00 +0300 Conferences News Overview and Announcements of Upcoming Events Dedicated to Clays and Clay Minerals.

Announcements of Upcoming Events

Dear colleagues!

We present to your attention a news overview, as well as announcements of upcoming events dedicated to clays and clay minerals:


  1. After lengthy discussions between AIPEA, ECGA and representatives of national and regional groups, it was decided to merge the ICC and Euroclay conferences. The new joint conference will be held in odd-numbered years; the first will take place in Madrid in June 2027 and will be organized by colleagues from the Spanish Clay Society (SEA).
  2. The last 18th International Conference on Clays (ICC) will be held in Dublin, Ireland, July 13−18, 2025. Information on the conference will be published on the official website.
  3. The Secretary General of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has announced a competition for grants from the Hutchinson Young Scientists Fund to support young scientists to participate in the 37th International Geological Congress in Busan, Korea, which will take place from August 25 to 31, 2024. Detailed information on the rules and application deadlines can be found on the organization’s website or by following the link.
  4. The AIPEA Early Career Clay Scientist Network webinar series continues, held every two months on the Zoom platform. The next webinar will be organized by Ambra Fiore, representative of the Italian Association for the Study of Clays, on Monday, September 18 at 15:00 (UTC+1). You can register for the webinar via the link. The webinar will feature Marina Massaro from the University of Palermo (Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies). Marina’s research focuses on the application of clay minerals, particularly halloysite, in catalysts. You can learn more about her work via the link.
]]> Nanospace-2024 in Thailand https://ruclay.com/en/nanospace-2024-thailand Mon, 02 Sep 2024 17:03:00 +0300 Conferences From August 21 to 24, 2024, the International Conference on Nanospatially Confined Materials (Nanospace-2024-Thailand) was held at the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) in Rayong, Thailand.

Nanospace-2024 in Thailand

From August 21 to 24, 2024, the International Conference on Nanospatially Confined Materials (Nanospace-2024-Thailand) was held at the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC) in Rayong, Thailand.]]> AIPEA-Talk: PostDoc Position Open https://ruclay.com/tpost/brt62ivgm1-aipea-talk-postdoc-position-open https://ruclay.com/tpost/brt62ivgm1-aipea-talk-postdoc-position-open?amp=true Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0300 The International Association for the Study of Clays (AIPEA) is seeking a specialist for a PostDoc position.

AIPEA-Talk: PostDoc Position Open

Dear colleagues,

The International Association for the Study of Clays (AIPEA) is looking for a specialist for a PostDoc position. Required qualifications include a Master's degree in Geological Sciences, Soil Science, Environmental Engineering, or a comparable field with in-depth knowledge of clay mineralogy and chemistry, or a doctoral degree.

The Sandwich sealing hydraulic system, developed by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is currently undergoing large-scale testing at the Mont Terri rock laboratory as part of the Sandwich-HP2 project. The experiment is accompanied by laboratory tests to optimize materials and parameters for hydro-mechanical-chemical modeling.

For further information and application deadlines, please visit the KIT website via the link.

Additionally, any questions regarding the position can be directed to Professor Katja Emmerich at: katja.emmerich@kit.edu
In her message, Katja Emmerich writes:
Dear colleagues,

In the frame of the Sandwich-HP2 project, the hydraulic Sandwich sealing system developed by KIT is being tested on a large scale in the Mont Terri rock laboratory (CH). The in-situ experiment is accompanied by laboratory tests to optimize the materials and parameterization for hydro-mechanical-chemical modelling.

We are looking for a PostDoc with a MSc degree in geosciences, soil science, environmental engineering or a comparable course of study with sound (clay) mineralogical and chemical knowledge as well as a completed PhD.

More information can be found at:
https://www.pse.kit.edu/english/karriere/joboffer.php?id=164338

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions on the position.
Please also forward this email to anyone who might be interested!

Best regards,
Katja Emmerich
]]> Seminar No. 17 at the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the RAS https://ruclay.com/tpost/ae6gxmxx21-seminar-no-17-at-the-fersman-mineralogic https://ruclay.com/tpost/ae6gxmxx21-seminar-no-17-at-the-fersman-mineralogic?amp=true Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:26:00 +0300 Conferences On September 25 at 4:00 PM, Seminar No. 17 on Modern Mineralogy will be held at the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Seminar No. 17 at the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the RAS

Dear colleagues!

The Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences invites you to attend the seventeenth open seminar on mineralogy — "Modern Solutions for Raman Spectral Processing Using ArDI."

The seminar will take place on Wednesday, September 25, at 4:00 PM in the conference hall of the Fersman Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences at the following address: Moscow, Leninsky Prospekt, 18, building 2.

An online broadcast of the seminar will be available on the Mineralogical Museum’s YouTube channel via the link.
]]> ICC 2025 Dublin https://ruclay.com/tpost/ftvsdxvjj1-icc-2025-dublin https://ruclay.com/tpost/ftvsdxvjj1-icc-2025-dublin?amp=true Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0300 Conferences 9 Months Remaining Until the International Clay Conference 2025 (ICC 2025), which will take place in Dublin from July 13–18 next year. Reminder: the call for session proposals is now open.

ICC 2025 Dublin

Dear colleagues,

There are 9 months remaining until the International Clay Conference 2025 (ICC 2025), which will be held at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, from July 13−18 next year. With this in mind, we would like to remind you that the call for session proposals is now open.

The theme of the upcoming conference — "Sustaining Clays" — highlights the many roles that clays and clay minerals play in sustainable development, resource use, and management.

The main goal of the conference is to bring together the diverse industrial, technological, and academic worlds of clay and clay mineral research through poster and oral sessions, workshops, and excursions organized under three sub-themes: "Materials & Technology", "Food, Water & Environment", and "Terra & extra-Terra".

In their welcome address, ICC conference chairs Steve Hillier and Kevin Murphy write:
On behalf of the Clay Minerals Group (CMG) of the Mineralogical Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 18th International Clay Conference (ICC). The ICC has a long and distinguished history, and we sincerely hope you will join us for this ultimate ICC gathering. A visit to Dublin is one of life’s ‘must-do’ items. As Ireland’s capital city, it is littered with places of interest for delegates and accompanying persons alike. We very much look forward to welcoming you to Dublin.
You can submit your proposal and review all terms and conditions on the ICC 2025 website via the link. The submission deadline is November 15, 2024.
]]> AIPEA-Talk: Workshop on Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Clay Minerals https://ruclay.com/tpost/s7m3iu3ct1-aipea-talk-workshop-on-qualitative-and-q https://ruclay.com/tpost/s7m3iu3ct1-aipea-talk-workshop-on-qualitative-and-q?amp=true Thu, 10 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0300 Conferences From March 10 to 14, 2025, a Workshop on Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Clay Minerals will take place in Krakow, Poland.

AIPEA-Talk: Workshop on Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Clay Minerals

Dear members of the Russian Clay Group,

We would like to inform you that from March 10 to 14, 2025, a Workshop on Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Clay Minerals will be held in Krakow, Poland.

The workshop will consist of five days of lectures and practical laboratory sessions on the following topics:

structure of clay minerals, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (IR), determination of CEC and layer charge, thermal analysis, clay mineral isotope analysis, electron microscopy, and methods for enrichment and fraction separation.

Registration for the workshop has already begun, and the number of places is limited! The application deadline is December 10, 2024.

For more detailed information, please visit the website.

You may also submit your application via email at: workshop@ingpan.krakow.pl
]]> Publication of Abstracts in Special Issues of EMCEI-2025 and ESEV-2025 https://ruclay.com/tpost/ntxfptj9i1-publication-of-abstracts-in-special-issu https://ruclay.com/tpost/ntxfptj9i1-publication-of-abstracts-in-special-issu?amp=true Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0300 Publications Submit your abstracts and have them published in special issues of the EMCEI-2025 and ESEV-2025 journals.

Publication of Abstracts in Special Issues of EMCEI-2025 and ESEV-2025

Dear colleagues!

Researchers in the field of environmental Earth sciences are invited to present their research and review articles on scientific advancements in the form of short abstracts at the annual ESEV Journal Meeting (ESEV-2025). Following the conference, all materials will be published in the conference proceedings (indexed in Scopus), and the best selected papers will appear in a special issue of the ESEV journal ("Earth Systems and Environment") published by Springer.

ESEV is interdisciplinary in nature, publishing peer-reviewed articles with the aim of deepening the understanding of the natural functioning of various processes and interactions related to complex environmental problems caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. It disseminates high-quality information on cutting-edge developments in various research fields based on new methods, theories, and applications.

For detailed information about the meeting and abstract submission, please visit the website.
The submission deadline is December 15, 2024.
7th Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration (EMCEI-2025) specializes in showcasing and discussing cutting-edge scientific research in the field of ecology. The goal of EMCEI-2025 is to bring together high-quality scientific works for post-review publication in conference proceedings (indexed in Scopus) and thematic collections (special issues) of the Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration and other journals covering various interdisciplinary topics related to environmental evolution and development.

Conference participants will be able to attend several presentations dedicated to new indicators and directions in research, development, and innovation within the multidisciplinary fields of environmental sciences. Additionally, a socio-cultural program is planned, allowing participants to take some time to explore the wonders of Reggio Calabria.

For detailed information about the meeting and abstract submission, please visit the website.
The submission deadline is December 31, 2024.
]]> AIPEA ECCS Webinar on Clays and Clay Minerals https://ruclay.com/tpost/s9mdvts0u1-aipea-eccs-webinar-on-clays-and-clay-min https://ruclay.com/tpost/s9mdvts0u1-aipea-eccs-webinar-on-clays-and-clay-min?amp=true Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0300 Webinars On November 29 at 13:00 (UTC+1), an AIPEA webinar organized by the Slovak Clay Group will take place. The registration link for the Zoom conference is now available.

AIPEA ECCS Webinar on Clays and Clay Minerals

Dear colleagues!

The next event in the AIPEA webinar series for early career scientists will be organized by Peter Boháč, representative of the Slovak Clay Group.

The webinar will be held on the Zoom platform on Friday, November 29, at 13:00 Bratislava time (CET; UTC+1).

We inform you that the registration link for the online conference is now available!

Program of the event:


13:00–13:05 — Liva Dzene and Peter Boháč
AIPEA ECCS (Early Career Clay Scientist) news and presentation by the Slovak Clay Group

13:05–13:30 — Peter Boháč
Research Fellow at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the Slovak Academy of Sciences
Talk title: "Photofunctional hybrid materials from clay minerals – properties and applications"

13:30–13:55 — Gred Faisal
PhD student at the Department of Geology of Mineral Deposits, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, and lecturer at Al Neelain University in Khartoum, Sudan
Talk title: "Using FTIR spectroscopy to assess smectite content in bentonite binary mixtures"
]]> AIPEA-Talk: On the Passing of Dewey Moore https://ruclay.com/tpost/0p9ri02ba1-aipea-talk-on-the-passing-of-dewey-moore https://ruclay.com/tpost/0p9ri02ba1-aipea-talk-on-the-passing-of-dewey-moore?amp=true Wed, 11 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0300 It is with great sadness that we inform you that Duwayne (Dewey) Moore passed away on October 18, 2024. Included in this news is a brief memorial of Dewey's life, prepared by his friends and colleagues.

AIPEA-Talk: On the Passing of Dewey Moore

Dear colleagues,
this is a sad note from Georg Grathoff and his colleagues:
It is with great sadness that I share the news that Duwayne (Dewey) Moore passed away on October 18, 2024.
Below is a brief memorial for Dewey, written by Rob Lander, Jay Matthews, and myself, with help from Dennis Eberl, Linda Williams, Paul Schroeder, and Shelly Roberts.

Duwayne (Dewey) M. Moore
February 17, 1933 – October 18, 2024
President of The Clay Minerals Society, 2005

We have lost one of the most renowned scientists, teachers, and historians in the field of clay research. Dewey was born in Rochelle, Illinois, during the Depression, the eldest of six children. Despite poverty and difficult family circumstances, he managed to study for two years at Beloit College, working on farms for room and board and at a foundry. He transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, thinking he would become a high school biology teacher. However, mineralogy professor Don Henderson changed his career path. In six years, Dewey earned three degrees in geology. To support his studies and family, he worked in a boarding house, milked cows, sold water softeners, worked at the football stadium, and was a lab assistant at the Illinois State Geological Survey – unthinkable by today's standards. His 1963 doctoral dissertation on the White Pine district in eastern Nevada focused on the clear link between clay mineralogy and the accumulation of trace metals.

In 1964, Dewey moved to the Geology Department at Knox College, a small liberal arts college, and taught there for 24 years, serving as department chair for 10 years. Despite the department having only three faculty members, it ranked 6th among institutions for the number of graduates who went on to earn PhDs, including us. At the heart of his teaching were field trips, mineralogy, problem-solving, and answering student questions through research. Dewey's interest in applying a geological perspective to the "human-nature" debate attracted many geology students. Student groups investigated issues of waste disposal, pollution and water protection, soil resources and erosion, energy and air pollution, radioactive waste, geological hazards, as well as food and the "green revolution." Dewey set up telephone conference equipment so students could interview scientists with opposing views. He involved us in his research and motivated us to complete honors projects.

During a sabbatical in 1980, arranged by John Hower, he shared an office with "a crazy guy who rode a motorcycle to Urbana... from New Hampshire... in March" – Robert (Bob) Reynolds. This led to a long intellectual friendship and an increased focus on the two-dimensional modeling of the structure of layer silicates. Dewey's Fulbright proposal to Pakistan in 1984–85 emphasized the suitability of X-ray diffraction for developing countries – simple preparation methods, straightforward maintenance, and important clay mineralogy insights into soil and sediment properties. While in Pakistan, Dewey prepared a 4-day short course on X-ray diffraction, clay mineralogy, and its applications. This short course became the foundation for a book that combines theoretical discussions of clay mineralogy with recipes for X-ray diffraction laboratory procedures. A ready-to-publish, spiral-bound book was prepared for an audience of upper-level undergraduates. The publisher sent the manuscript to Bob Reynolds for review, and Dewey discovered that Bob had always intended to write such a book. Over 14 days during the winter break at Dartmouth, they sat back-to-back, each on a Macintosh, each working on a separate chapter. They wrote and exchanged text, checking each other's clarity and consistency of tone, taking breaks only to watch Celtics basketball games. Thus, they became co-authors of a highly cited textbook on clay minerals: two editions of X-Ray Diffraction and the Identification and Analysis of Clay Minerals (Oxford Press, 1989, 1997).

In 1987, Dewey joined Herb Glass and Randy Hughes at the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), where he retired as a Senior Mineralogist in 2001. Dewey's primary research interests included the diagenesis of clay minerals in shales and sandstones, the illitization of smectites, changes in soil mineralogy due to cultivation, using mineralogy to decipher geological history, and the history and teaching of geology and clay mineralogy. Dewey supported graduate student research using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and served on dissertation committees. He also enjoyed investigating interdisciplinary problems. He participated in hazardous waste and fly ash research and collaborated with the Brookfield Zoo, examining intestinal fragments to identify minerals in animal diets. He collaborated with archaeologists to determine cultural interactions in space and time. Dewey's latest research interest led him to farming. Together with Bruce Velde, a classmate from university, he studied the human impact on the alteration of clay minerals in soil and what this could tell us about sustainability. After retiring, Dewey moved with his wife, Shelly Roberts, to Albuquerque, where he received invitations to conduct short courses from around the world, including Argentina, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Dewey's last X-ray work was done at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Dewey's professional activity was primarily tied to The Clay Minerals Society (CMS), where he was called the "Renaissance Man of CMS" because of the breadth of his knowledge and interests. He served on nomenclature and source clays committees and held numerous positions in CMS, including Council Member, Historian, CMS Meeting Organizer (Santa Fe, 2005), and President (2004–2005). His project of interviewing as CMS Historian and the 50th-anniversary symposium highlighted how life stories, cultural context, and intellectual genealogy shape research directions. In 2000, he received the Brindley Lecture Award, and in 2018, a Special Recognition Award. Unofficially, Dewey and Bob Reynolds founded the "Friends of Illite" (including illite-smectite), organizing "Friends of Illite" meetings at CMS gatherings that included a bottle of whiskey supplied by Dewey. Anyone who studied illite and illite-smectite was invited, including students, who were encouraged to bring their diffractograms to share and discuss with leading mineralogists. Dewey valued community, mentorship, and serendipity.

Beyond his interest in mineralogy, Dewey loved being in the field and exploring landscapes. He had an amazing ability to vividly describe the geological context of a landscape, inspiring awe in people from all walks of life. For us, as for many others, being in the field or in the lab with Dewey not only changed our view of the world but also changed our life trajectories. A raft trip through the Grand Canyon, along with numerous trips to the Colorado Plateau with Shelly, inspired his final contribution: a historical-fiction novel, Death on the North Slope (2019), written in celebration of the centennial of John Wesley Powell's exploration of the Grand Canyon.

We will miss this unassuming man who nurtured our curiosity and abilities. Dewey is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, three brothers, and his wife. Shelly, a fellow educator, accompanied him to many CMS meetings and shared his love of nature and commitment to land ethics. In keeping with his drive to teach, share, and preserve, Dewey donated his brain to the University of New Mexico for dementia research. A biodegradable urn, placed on their farm in southern Wisconsin, will return him to the soil, where he will mingle with his dear friend, Illite-Smectite.

Georg Grathoff
Rob Lander
Jay Matthews
]]> Research and Travel Grants https://ruclay.com/tpost/6pfr29oxh1-research-and-travel-grants https://ruclay.com/tpost/6pfr29oxh1-research-and-travel-grants?amp=true Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0300 For participation in the ICC-2025 conference, AIPEA Research and Travel Grants are available for early-career researchers to travel to Ireland.

Research and Travel Grants

Dear colleagues,

We inform you that for participation in the ICC-2025 conference, AIPEA Research and Travel Grants are available for early-career researchers in the field of clay and clay mineral science (holding a post-doctoral position, assistant professor, or lecturer position, having received their PhD within the previous 5 years).

AIPEA Research Grants for early-career researchers provide financial support in the form of seed capital to help young scientists fund current projects, as well as conduct research that was not included in the original scope of work. This should subsequently support further applications to national or regional research funding bodies. AIPEA awards 1 grant over a 2-year period (from CLAY20xx to CLAY20xx+2). Individual grant applications may be for up to €2,500.

The Travel Grant for early-career scientists is provided with a waiver of the registration fee for participation in ICC-2025 (unless otherwise stated in the grant award letter). The grant is a maximum of €1,500 for intercontinental travel; the number of grants awarded will depend on the number of applications and the available budget (€1,500 for 2025). Travel grants are awarded to applicants as a lump sum, which covers transportation, accommodation, and meals during the conference. Travel grants are expected to be awarded to those scientists who truly need them. Individuals who have the means to cover their travel expenses are advised not to apply.

Detailed application instructions and application forms are already available on the official AIPEA pages: "Information on Research Grants" and "Information on Travel Grants".
The deadline for grant applications:
  • For Research Grants: February 28, 2025, at 24:00 Brussels time (CET, UTC+1)
  • For Travel Grants: March 31, 2025, at 24:00 Brussels time (CET, UTC+1)
Please share this information with colleagues who might be interested in participating!
]]> Meeting on Clay Minerals for Radioactive Waste Disposal https://ruclay.com/tpost/12zsodr9k1-meeting-on-clay-minerals-for-radioactive https://ruclay.com/tpost/12zsodr9k1-meeting-on-clay-minerals-for-radioactive?amp=true Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0300 Webinars An online meeting on clay minerals for radioactive waste disposal will take place on February 28.

Meeting on Clay Minerals for Radioactive Waste Disposal

Dear members of the Russian Clay Group,

At the next event in the AIPEA Early Career Clay Scientist Network webinar series, two award-winning works selected by the organizers of the Clay and Radioactive Waste meeting at the Clay Conference 2024 will be presented.
The webinar will be held on the Zoom platform on Friday, February 28, at 15:00 Berlin time (CET; UTC+1).
The registration link for the webinar is available via the link.

Program of the event:


15:00 – 15:05 – Līva Dzene and Rainer Dohrmann
AIPEA ECCS updates and a few words about the Clay Conference 2024

15:05 – 15:30 – Nadine Kanik from the Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences
Talk title: "Tracing bentonite–water interaction by stable H- and O-isotope exchange in a temperature gradient: First isotopic results on Alternative Buffer Materials 2 and 5 bentonites"

15:30 – 15:55 – Dr. Theresa Hennig from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA
Talk title: "Neptunium migration in Opalinus Clay – one experiment with several numerical geochemical solutions"
]]> Clay Soils in Engineering-Geological and Environmental-Geological Systems https://ruclay.com/tpost/fhua715xt1-clay-soils-in-engineering-geological-and https://ruclay.com/tpost/fhua715xt1-clay-soils-in-engineering-geological-and?amp=true Tue, 04 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0300 Conferences An international scientific conference dedicated to the 270th anniversary of Lomonosov Moscow State University, "Clay Soils in Engineering-Geological and Environmental-Geological Systems," will take place on November 20, 2025.

Clay Soils in Engineering-Geological and Environmental-Geological Systems

Dear colleagues,

We inform you that on November 20, 2025, an international scientific conference dedicated to the 270th anniversary of Lomonosov Moscow State University will be held: "CLAY SOILS IN ENGINEERING-GEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL-GEOLOGICAL SYSTEMS."

The conference will feature presentations and discussions on issues related to the following topics:

  1. Characteristics of the composition, structure, and properties of clay soils
  2. Engineering geodynamics of clay soil masses
  3. Diversity of clay soils in Russia
  4. Technical reclamation of clay soils
  5. Characteristics of environmental-geological systems of clay soil masses

The venue of the conference is the Faculty of Geology, Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Participation in the conference is free. Based on the results of the conference, a proceedings volume is planned for publication. The articles will be indexed in the RSCI (Russian Science Citation Index) database.

You can familiarize yourself with the article formatting requirements on the conference page.

Key dates:


  1. Submission of applications and articles for the conference – until October 1, 2025
  2. Distribution of the conference program – until November 1, 2025
  3. Conference date – November 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
]]> RB-042-24 "Recommendations for Justifying the Selection and Application of Barrier Clay Materials in Radioactive Waste Storage Facilities" https://ruclay.com/tpost/a1ls4tj9n1-rb-042-24-recommendations-for-justifying https://ruclay.com/tpost/a1ls4tj9n1-rb-042-24-recommendations-for-justifying?amp=true Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0300 Spotlight Publications The safety guide RB-042-24 has been published on the website of the FBU "SEC NRS," dedicated to justifying the selection and application of barrier clay materials in radioactive waste storage facilities.

RB-042-24 "Recommendations for Justifying the Selection and Application of Barrier Clay Materials in Radioactive Waste Storage Facilities"

Dear esteemed colleagues,

We are delighted to inform you that very recently, the safety guide dedicated to Engineered Barrier Systems (EBS) — RB-042-24 "Recommendations for Justifying the Selection and Application of Barrier Clay Materials in Radioactive Waste Storage Facilities" — was published on the website of the FBU "SEC NRS" (Scientific and Engineering Centre for Nuclear and Radiation Safety). The Russian Clay Group actively participated in the development of this guide.

This safety guide for the use of atomic energy has been developed to facilitate compliance with the requirements of federal norms and regulations in the field of atomic energy use. It contains recommendations from the Federal Service for Ecological, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) on the selection, justification of selection, and application of barrier clay materials, including on:

  • Justifying the selection of barrier clay materials depending on the safety functions performed by the EBS based on them;
  • Quality control and assurance of barrier clay materials at radioactive waste storage facility sites before and during the construction of the EBS;
  • Monitoring the condition of EBS based on barrier clay materials;
  • Justifying the performance of established safety functions by EBS based on barrier clay materials.

The guide is intended for use by organizations performing work and providing services to operating organizations for the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning (closure) of these facilities, including carrying out research and development work to create EBS based on barrier clay materials.

The scientific and technical level of the guide corresponds to the current state of science and technology, the requirements of legal and regulatory documents in force in the Russian Federation, as well as the recommendations of international organizations. You can access the document on the official website of the FBU "SEC NRS" via the link.

Furthermore, on December 1, 2024, the standard STO 95 12094-2024 "Standard of the Rosatom State Corporation 'Engineered Safety Barriers of Radioactive Waste Storage and Disposal Facilities Based on Clay Materials. Quality Control'" was adopted. Laboratory staff from the Scientific Centre "Engineering Barriers" at IGEM RAS also actively participated in the development of this standard.

The results of the group's work are also highlighted on the news page of the FBU "SEC NRS" and in an article by S. A. Bogatov, N. I. Drobyshevsky, V. V. Krupskaya, S. V. Zakusin, and V. A. Lekhov in the scientific-technical journal "Radioactive Waste."
]]> AIPEA ECCS Webinar: Presentations by the French Group https://ruclay.com/tpost/2nrs7gdhu1-aipea-eccs-webinar-presentations-by-the https://ruclay.com/tpost/2nrs7gdhu1-aipea-eccs-webinar-presentations-by-the?amp=true Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:00:00 +0300 Webinars On April 11 at 14:00 (UTC+2), an AIPEA webinar organized by the French Group of Clays and Clay Minerals will take place. The registration link for the Zoom conference is now available.

AIPEA ECCS Webinar: Presentations by the French Group

Dear colleagues,

The next event in the AIPEA webinar series for early-career scientists will be organized by representatives of the French Group of Clays and Clay Minerals.

The webinar will be held on the Zoom platform on Friday, April 11, at 14:00 Paris time (CEST; UTC+2).

The registration link for the webinar is now available! Please share this information with your colleagues who might be interested in participating.

Program of the event:


14:00 – 14:05 – Līva Dzene
AIPEA ECCS updates and a presentation by the French Group of Clays and Clay Minerals

14:05 – 14:30 – Pierre Picot
Researcher at the IRAMIS Institute, CEA Paris-Saclay Center, France
Talk title: "Imogolite-like structures: polymorphic nano-objects for environment and energy"

14:30 – 14:55 – Fabien Baron
Associate Professor at the University of Poitiers, France
Talk title: "Swelling clay minerals as key minerals for bio-geochemical interactions in subsurface environments: Experimental investigations"
]]> ICC-2025 Dublin https://ruclay.com/tpost/sf65pnbm91-icc-2025-dublin https://ruclay.com/tpost/sf65pnbm91-icc-2025-dublin?amp=true Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0300 Conferences We have gathered the most important information for you about the upcoming conference.

ICC-2025 Dublin

Dear colleagues,

We have gathered the most important information for you about the upcoming conference — ICC-2025 Dublin.

Submission of Session Proposals
The list of conference sessions was published on December 13, 2024. However, you can still propose your own session. This link (submit possible sessions) will remain open so that you can propose an additional session if you do not see an obvious place for your work.

Early Registration and Abstract Submission Deadline
Abstract submission will be possible until April 22, 2025. You can register on the conference website via the link.

Conference Dates
July 13−18, 2025
Venue: Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

The list of available sessions includes 47 diverse topics. Upon registration for the conference, participants will be asked to select a preferred session for their presentation from the list below. However, if you do not see an obvious place for your work, you can propose an additional session or contribute to the "Universal Session."

You can find more information on the official site of the conference at — icc.aipea.org/
]]> AIPEA-Talk: News of the passing of Professor Selahattin Kadir https://ruclay.com/tpost/yx8zy4g6a1-aipea-talk-news-of-the-passing-of-profes https://ruclay.com/tpost/yx8zy4g6a1-aipea-talk-news-of-the-passing-of-profes?amp=true Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:10:00 +0300 It is with great sadness that we inform you that Dr. Selahattin Kadir passed away on March 27, 2025. Attached to the news is a brief memorial of his life, prepared by his colleagues at Osman Gazi University.

AIPEA-Talk: News of the passing of Professor Selahattin Kadir

Dear Colleagues,

We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing on March 27, 2025, of Professor Dr. Selahattin Kadir, lecturer in the Department of Geological Engineering at Osman Gazi University (Eskişehir Osman Gazi University). He was our esteemed colleague, who made a valuable contribution to the development of his university, devoting himself to the academic development of his students, and being a hardworking and effective leader.

On behalf of the Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group, we sincerely express our condolences to his family and the entire community. Selahattin Kadir was a valuable member of our society, and he will be greatly missed. His colleague, Professor Dr. Asuman Günal Türkmenoğlu, provides some information and reflections in the attached obituary.

OBITUARY

PROF. DR. SELAHATTIN KADIR

1956-2025


Professor Selahattin Kadir was one of the founders and a long-standing member of the Executive Committee of the Clay Science Society. He worked for many years to ensure the success of our community in effectively achieving its goals.

A professor of mineralogy and petrography, he received his bachelor's degree in geology from Karadeniz Technical University, his master's degree from Ankara University, and his doctorate from Selçuk University. He worked at Phelps Dodge Corporation (1985-1987) on the expanded feasibility study of a Kuroko-type massive sulfide ore body development project, at Parsons Brinckerhoff International, Inc. (1987-1989) on a highway geological survey project, and at the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration of Turkey (1990-2004) as an exploration geologist. From 2004, he worked at Eskişehir Osmangazi University (ESOGU) as an academic staff member in the Department of Geological Engineering. He served as Director of the ESOGU Technological Research Center (2010-2014) and as Chair of the Faculty of Geological Engineering from 2015 to 2024.

His scientific career was mainly concerned with the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics and genesis of hydrothermal and diagenetic kaolinite, bentonite, and sepiolite-palygorskite deposits, lateritic Ni-Co deposits, and alterations in massive sulfide ores and gold deposits. He also worked on the interdisciplinary aspects of mineralogy, geochemistry, and genesis of calcretes, dolocretes, huntites, magnesites, paleosols, and evaporites in sedimentary rocks and soils. His research topics also included the link between asbestos and the development of potential mesothelioma cases. Selahattin successfully completed many scientific projects. He published over 70 peer-reviewed (SCI) articles, 7 international book chapters, and 80 oral presentations at international conferences.

Dr. Selahattin Kadir was the Secretary of Euroclay 2011 (Antalya) and served as an Associate Editor of the journal Clays and Clay Minerals from 2011. As a Guest Editor, he organized two special issues on pedology and soil morphology/micromorphology for Euroclay 2011 and Eurosoil 2016 in the Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences and Catena-Elsevier, respectively. He was a member of The Clay Minerals Society (USA) – the Source Clays Committee (2016-2017) and the Program Development Committee, as well as an Associate Editor of the journal "The Clays and Clay Minerals Journal". He was the General Chair of the conference "AIPEA-17th International Clay Conference, July 25-29, 2022, in Istanbul", co-organized by the Turkish and American Societies.
]]> Events for accompanying persons at ICC-2025 https://ruclay.com/tpost/65vu3rp6a1-events-for-accompanying-persons-at-icc-2 https://ruclay.com/tpost/65vu3rp6a1-events-for-accompanying-persons-at-icc-2?amp=true Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0300 Conferences The list of events that can be booked by accompanying persons has been published on the conference website.

Events for accompanying persons at ICC-2025

Dear Colleagues!

Please note that the list of events that can be booked by accompanying persons of conference participants has been published on the ICC-2025 conference website. All events are also listed in the conference online store and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Below is the list of events (indicating the accompanying fee) for those wishing to join:

  • "Ice-breaker" reception during registration, Sunday, July 13, 17:00 — €35 (VAT included);
  • Bus tour to Kilkenny and Wicklow, Monday, July 14, 08:20-18:00 — €55 (VAT included). Participants will join the tour offered by "Wild Rover Tours" in a shared vehicle;
  • Bus tour to the Giant's Causeway, Wednesday, July 16, 08:00-19:00 — €90 (VAT included). Please check in advance if you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Northern Ireland;
  • Bus tour to the Platin cement plant followed by a visit to Trim Castle and the Bective Mill & Armoury, Wednesday, July 16, 09:00-18:00 — €50 (VAT included);
  • Conference farewell banquet, Thursday, July 17, 19:30 — €45 (VAT included). Please note that this price is subsidized by the conference to encourage participation.

In addition, accompanying persons are invited to join the morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks for free!

A list of other attractions in Dublin can be found here.
Note — please create a separate registration account for each accompanying person so that the system can obtain their details.
]]> Workshops ICC-2025 https://ruclay.com/tpost/8rmz52dyd1-workshops-icc-2025 https://ruclay.com/tpost/8rmz52dyd1-workshops-icc-2025?amp=true Tue, 15 Apr 2025 11:23:00 +0300 Conferences We present to you information about the workshops at the upcoming ICC-2025 conference in Dublin.

Workshops ICC-2025

Dear Colleagues!

We present to you information about the workshops of the upcoming ICC-2025 conference in Dublin.

This year, ICC will feature four workshops/masterclasses to choose from. They will all take place on Sunday, July 13th. Tea/coffee breaks and lunch are included in the price. Details are provided below, including topics and speaker names.

Workshop "Introduction to Key Analytical Methods in Clay Science"


The workshop will take place on Sunday, July 13th:
  • Registration: 8:30-9:00
  • Workshop: 9:00-17:00

Undoubtedly, X-ray diffraction, thermal methods, infrared spectroscopy, and electron microscopy can be considered key techniques that are widely used in research and industrial analysis of clays and clay materials. Moreover, in clay science, a multi-technique approach is often the only way to solve many research questions. This workshop is designed to introduce participants to four key techniques, each presented by an expert in the field. No prior knowledge is assumed, and the workshop will aim to provide a solid foundation for applying each of these techniques, covering the "pros and cons", as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each. Participants will have ample time to ask questions and benefit from expert advice.

Cost: €80 (VAT included)
Programme:

09:00—09:15 — Welcome

09:15—10:45 — X-ray Diffraction, identification and structure determination of clay minerals: An updated perspective
Speaker: Bruno Lanson, ISTerre, CNRS, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, France

The fine-grained and 2D nature of clay minerals and other layered compounds has led to the development of specific approaches for their identification and determination of their crystal structures using X-ray diffraction. This lecture will cover the basic concepts of such identification, including practical aspects of sample preparation and data collection. The main concepts of X-ray diffraction profile modelling will also be presented as a key tool for describing layered structures, including periodicity violations such as interstratification and stacking faults.

10:45—11:00 — Break

11:00—12:30 — Electron microscopy for clay studies: what can be done and what should be looked out for
Speaker: Toshihiro Kogure, Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Electron microscopy with resolution from micron to angstrom levels is a unique and important tool for investigating the morphology, structure, and composition of fine and heterogeneous clay particles. As is known, electron microscopes are divided into SEM and TEM/STEM, the choice depending on the sample form (bulk or thin film) to be observed. SEM resolution for surface observation is about 1 nm, and selecting the appropriate accelerating voltage is crucial when studying clay minerals. TEM/STEM can provide atomic-scale structural information on clay minerals using electron diffraction and so-called high-resolution TEM (HRTEM); however, electron beam damage must be carefully controlled. This lecture will present various examples of observation and analysis, highlighting key considerations for beginners using electron microscopy in clay science.

12:30—13:30 — Lunch

13:30—15:00 — Thermal analysis
Speaker: Katja Emmerich, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Geo- and Environmental Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany

Thermal analysis was one of the first analytical methods used to characterise clay minerals and has continued to evolve since then. Clay minerals and associated minerals and phases in soils and rocks undergo various thermal reactions (e.g., dehydration, dehydroxylation, oxidation, decomposition, recrystallisation, phase transition). Their characteristics provide information on the amount of mineral, its size and structure, even if it is turbostratically disordered, such as swelling clay minerals. Sensitivity is enhanced by the combined analysis of evolved gases. The lecture will provide a basic introduction to thermal analysis and the thermal reactions of clay components.

15:00—15:15 — Break

15:15—16:45 — Infrared spectroscopic methods for non-invasive clay studies
Speaker: Georgios Chryssikos, Institute of Theoretical and Physical Chemistry, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Greece

This lecture will discuss the application of Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) in the mid-infrared and Diffuse Reflection in the near-infrared (NIR) for the study of clay minerals with minimal or no sample preparation. The aim is to isolate and study the spectrum of water and hydroxyls that adorn the internal and external surfaces of clays. Beyond mineral identification, these spectra allow determination of the octahedral sheet, termination of the tetrahedral sheet, layer charge, interlayer content, etc. Tips for proper sample measurement ranging from milligrams to tonnes, as well as effective band separation methods (including practical H/D exchange methods), will be presented.

16:45—17:00 — Closing remarks / Discussion

Workshop "ICDD® PDF-5+ и JADE® Pro"


The workshop will take place on Sunday, July 13th:
  • Registration: 10:00-10:30
  • Workshop: 10:30-16:00

The first half of the workshop will introduce the Powder Diffraction File™ (PDF®) databases with an emphasis on clays and clay minerals. The second half of the workshop will cover qualitative and quantitative XRD analysis using JADE Pro software and clay modelling using JADE Pro Toolkit functions. Attendees will receive access to PDF-5+ and JADE Pro during the ICC meeting and for two weeks after.

Cost: €25, €10 for students (VAT included)

Key topics:
  • Powder Diffraction File database entries
  • Raw clay and mineral data entries
  • Data searching
  • Qualitative and quantitative phase analysis
  • Modelling the diffraction pattern of oriented clays

Access to PDF-5+ and JADE Pro will be via a remote desktop server using web access. Attendees must bring their own laptops with wireless internet access (Edge, Chrome, Firefox).

Workshop "Kaolin, Kaolin and Kaolin — Everywhere"


Workshop leaders: Dr. Prakash B. Malla and Dr. Zhanna Percival

The workshop will take place on Sunday, July 13th:
  • Registration: 8:30-9:00
  • Workshop: 9:00-17:00

Kaolin is a widespread and most frequently used industrial clay mineral, which is integral to daily life due to its ubiquitous use in many commercial products. These include, among others, paper and paperboard, paints, plastics, ceramics, filters, fibreglass, rubber, inks, adhesives, high-performance cement/concrete, geopolymers, catalysts, and pharmaceuticals. Kaolin also plays an important role in many geochemical processes and environments, including soils. It is an important source of rare earth elements, which are essential for everyday high-tech, renewable energy and climate change, defence and national security.

Cost: €150 (VAT included)

Programme:

9:00—9:15 — Course Introduction
Speaker: Prakash Malla, Thiele Kaolin Company, USA

9:15—9:45 — Mineralogy of Genesis and Alteration
Speakers: Michelle Cheshire, Research Scientist, Chevron Corporation, USA; David Bish, Professor Emeritus, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Indiana University, USA

9:45—10:15 — Structure and Surface Chemistry
Speaker: Cliff Johnston, Professor of Soil Chemistry, Purdue University, USA

10:15—10:45 — Distinguishing Kaolin Group Minerals in the Lab and in the Field
Speaker: Zhanna Percival, Emeritus Scientist, Mineralogy Section, Northern Canada Division, Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Government of Canada

10:45—11:00 — Break

11:00—11:30 — Adsorption, Retention and Removal of Metals and Organics by Kaolin in Soil
Speaker: Balwant Singh, Professor of Soil Chemistry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney University, Australia

11:30—12:15 — Exploration, Mining and Beneficiation (Processing)
Speaker: Prakash Malla, Thiele Kaolin Company, USA

12:15—13:15 — Lunch

13:15—14:15 — Kaolin Uses and Applications
Speakers: Prakash Malla, Thiele Kaolin Company, USA; Murielle Perronnet, Ceramics Director – Science & Technology, Performance Minerals, Imerys, France

14:15—14:45 — Halloysite Deposits, Properties and Applications
Speaker: Serena Riela, Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Catania, Italy

14:45—15:15 — Rare Earth Elements in Kaolin
Speakers: W. Crawford Elliott, Associate Professor, Geosciences and Chemistry, Georgia State University, USA; Prakash B. Malla, Thiele Kaolin Company, USA

15:15—15:30 — Break

15:30—16:00 — Kaolin in Nanotechnology – Preparation, Properties and Applications
Speakers: Gustave Kenne Dedzo, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon; Jakub Matusik, Professor, AGH University of Science and Technology, Poland

16:00—16:30 — Modelling and Simulation of Kaolin
Speaker: Gonzalo R. Quezada Escalona, Research Assistant, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bío-Bío, Chile

16:30—17:00 — Valorisation of Kaolin Production Wastes
Speakers: Diba Ansar, Science and Technology Director, Imerys ITC, UK; Alex Newnes, Mining Technology Manager, Imerys, UK

17:00—17:15 — Closing remarks / Discussion

Workshop "Introduction to 1D Modelling of Clay Mineral X-ray Patterns"


The workshop will be led by Marek Szczerba, Christian Ufer, Dugald McCarty, and Jan Dietel.

The workshop will take place on Sunday, July 13th:
  • Registration: 8:30-9:00
  • Workshop: 9:00-17:00

The accurate identification of clay minerals requires detailed study of X-ray patterns that are intentionally shifted towards their diagnostic 00l reflections and are often recorded after a sequence of additional treatments, such as exposure to ethylene glycol or heating. Modelling these so-called "1D" patterns plays and will continue to play a very important role in the analysis process. This workshop will introduce two different programs that can be used to calculate 1D patterns of clay minerals, namely Sybilla and Profex-BGMN. The basic and important aspects of the calculation theory will be covered, but special emphasis will be placed on the practical application of these programs to calculate 1D patterns of pure and mixed-layer clay minerals for comparison with real examples.

Cost: €80 (VAT included)
]]> Quiz "Mysteries of the Mineralogy of Western Siberian Sandstones" https://ruclay.com/tpost/e1vkea7ks1-quiz-mysteries-of-the-mineralogy-of-west https://ruclay.com/tpost/e1vkea7ks1-quiz-mysteries-of-the-mineralogy-of-west?amp=true Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the scientific and practical quiz "Mysteries of the Mineralogy of Western Siberian Sandstones", which will be held as part of the VIII Russian School on Clay Minerals – Argilla Studium-2025.

Quiz "Mysteries of the Mineralogy of Western Siberian Sandstones"

Dear Colleagues!


We invite you to take part in the scientific and practical quiz "Mysteries of the Mineralogy of Western Siberian Sandstones", which will be held as part of the VIII Russian School on Clay Minerals – Argilla Studium-2025.

What awaits you?
You will receive 2 sandstone samples weighing 40–50 grams each. The samples will be pre-crushed in a jaw crusher and then sieved through a 2.5 mm sieve.

Objective of the quiz: To carry out a quantitative mineral analysis of the bulk samples and the separated clay fraction.

Why is this useful?
  • Compare your techniques with colleagues' approaches in an informal setting
  • Discuss the "pitfalls" of sample preparation and data interpretation with experts
  • Add new approaches to your methodological toolkit
  • Anonymity of results – no ranking, only professional discussion!

Participation timeline:
  • April 28 – May 15 – Sending invitations and receiving feedback
  • May 15 – May 20 – Sending samples to participants
  • June 1 – July 15 – Performing analytical work
  • July 15 – August 15 – Data processing, preparing presentations
  • September 9 – Announcement and discussion of results

Quiz organizers:
  • Krupskaya V.V., Zakusin S.V., Morozov I.A. (IGEM, Moscow)
  • Shaldybin M.V., Deeva E.S., Kanaki A.V. (JSC "TomskNIPIneft", Tomsk)
  • Sitdikov V.D. (LLC "RN-BashNIPIneft", Ufa)
  • Rudmin M.A., Maksimova N.A. (TPU, Tomsk)

You can download introductory information about the quiz via the link.

Ready to solve the mineralogical mysteries? We look forward to seeing you at Argilla Studium-2025!
]]> Wastewater treatment works at JSC "Minudobreniya" enterprise https://ruclay.com/tpost/0f3re2uuo1-wastewater-treatment-works-at-jsc-minudo https://ruclay.com/tpost/0f3re2uuo1-wastewater-treatment-works-at-jsc-minudo?amp=true Mon, 12 May 2025 14:00:00 +0300 Scientific Center "Engineering Barriers" On April 18, 2025, a team of researchers from IGEM RAS and D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia conducted wastewater treatment works at the enterprise JSC "Minudobreniya" (Rossosh).

Wastewater treatment works at JSC "Minudobreniya" enterprise

A group of researchers from IGEM RAS (P.E. Belousov, B.V. Pokidko, A.A. Zhuravlev) and D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (P.P. Kozlov) conducted wastewater treatment works on April 18, 2025, at the enterprise JSC "Minudobreniya" (Rossosh) as part of the testing of a mobile filtration unit using natural and modified sorbents of their own production.
This enterprise is among the largest chemical enterprises in Russia. The main products manufactured are liquid ammonia, ammonium nitrate, and a complex nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. Their production generates large volumes of industrial water containing ammonium, fluorine, chlorine, nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates. The current main method of treating industrial water is its evaporation, followed by further purification of the condensate using ion-exchange membranes. Since the production of the necessary ion-exchange membranes is not carried out in Russia, their cost has increased significantly in recent years. Consequently, alternative methods of industrial water treatment are being considered.

During the implementation of a Russian Science Foundation project (No. 22-77-10050, head – P.E. Belousov), a mobile filtration unit was developed, as well as sorbent composites based on natural and modified sorbents for the purification of water from industrial pollutants of various natures. The management of JSC "Minudobreniya" kindly agreed to test the filtration system developed by the scientific group under real conditions.

As sorbent composites for industrial water treatment, sorbents based on natural and modified zeolite and opoka were prepared. Natural zeolites are effective materials for cation sorption but have a low degree of selectivity towards anionic pollutants. The technology for producing modified zeolite is based on the reduction of copper cations on the mineral surface. The use of both natural and modified zeolites allows for effective water purification from a range of cations and anions. The modification of opoka dramatically increased the specific surface area and microporosity of the sorbent, creating an additional surface for the interaction of pollutants with silanol and siloxane groups.

The features of the sorption of pollutants of various natures on natural and modified sorbents are highlighted in the following works of the research team:
The mobile filtration unit was developed by staff of the N.M. Kizhner Research Center at Tomsk Polytechnic University under the supervision of Associate Professor, Candidate of Technical Sciences V.A. Kutugin. To allow the use of several types of sorbent materials simultaneously, three filter columns with a total capacity of up to 90 liters were assembled. The productivity of the unit was 1 m³/hour. Its special features are its mobility and the ability to pass contaminated water either through each filter column individually or sequentially through all three.
As a result of the work carried out, approximately 2 cubic meters of wastewater were treated. The content of fluorine, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, sulfates, and ammonium was analyzed. The results obtained indicate that the content of all pollutants was significantly reduced. The highest degree of purification was observed for ammonium.

This work on testing the mobile filtration system based on natural and modified sorbents for the purification of contaminated water at real facilities is planned to continue.
]]> AIPEA ECCS Webinar: Presentations by the Chinese Group https://ruclay.com/tpost/c0s79yk851-aipea-eccs-webinar-presentations-by-the https://ruclay.com/tpost/c0s79yk851-aipea-eccs-webinar-presentations-by-the?amp=true Wed, 14 May 2025 14:00:00 +0300 Webinars On May 28 at 20:00 (UTC+8), the AIPEA webinar organized by the Chinese Clay Minerals Association will take place. The registration link for the Zoom conference is already available.

AIPEA ECCS Webinar: Presentations by the Chinese Group

Dear Colleagues!

The next event in the AIPEA webinar series for early career scientists will be organized by the Chinese Clay Minerals Association.

The webinar will take place on the Zoom platform on Wednesday, May 28, from 20:00 to 21:00 Beijing Time (CST; UTC+8).

The registration link for the webinar is now available! Please share this information with your colleagues who might be interested in participating!

Programme:


20:00—20:05 — Guangzheng Zhuang
Update on AIPEA ECCS and the Chinese Clay Minerals Association

20:05—20:25 — Dr. Qian Fang
China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
Talk title: "Will Atom Probe Tomography Create a New Frontier in Clay Mineral Research?"

20:25—20:45 — Dr. Yi Zhou
China University of Geosciences (Beijing)
Talk title: "Exfoliation of Clay Minerals and Assembly of Nanosheets"

20:45—21:05 — Dr. Guangzheng Zhuang
Guangdong University of Technology (Guangzhou)
Talk title: "The Interaction of Clay and Dyes in the Ancient Maya Blue Pigments"
]]> AIPEA-Talk: Newsletter No. 57 https://ruclay.com/tpost/kontyrp1i1-aipea-talk-newsletter-no-57 https://ruclay.com/tpost/kontyrp1i1-aipea-talk-newsletter-no-57?amp=true Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0300 Publications Spotlight The AIPEA Newsletter No. 57, covering the events of 2024 as well as upcoming activities, is now available on the website.

AIPEA-Talk: Newsletter No. 57

Dear Colleagues!

In the attachment you will find the AIPEA Newsletter (No. 57), covering events of 2024, as well as upcoming events in 2025 and beyond.

The results of the work of the Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group can be found on pages 31–34.

You can download the file via the link. The newsletter is also available on the AIPEA website at: aipea.org/newsletters/.
]]> "Clays-2025" and "Argilla Studium-2025" https://ruclay.com/tpost/jmtfevz6x1-clays-2025-and-argilla-studium-2025 https://ruclay.com/tpost/jmtfevz6x1-clays-2025-and-argilla-studium-2025?amp=true Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the VII Russian Meeting on Clays and Clay Minerals "Clays-2025" and the VIII Russian School on Clay Minerals "Argilla Studium-2025", which will take place from September 8 to 12, 2025 in Tomsk.

"Clays-2025" and "Argilla Studium-2025"

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you to take part in the VII Russian Meeting on Clays and Clay Minerals "Clays-2025", which will take place from September 8 to 12, 2025 in Tomsk.

The Meeting will be devoted to a wide range of issues related to the study of clays, clay minerals and layered materials. The Meeting program will include plenary lectures by leading experts, presentations by scientists, and the VIII Russian School on Clay Minerals "Argilla Studium-2025". Participants can look forward to intensive scientific discussions, workshops, and the opportunity to discuss current research directions in the field of clay minerals and layered materials.

We invite scientists to actively participate in the Meeting to exchange experiences, discuss cutting-edge scientific ideas, and establish new professional connections.

Main sections of the Meeting:
  • Crystal chemistry and structural features of clay minerals and layered materials.
  • Geology, mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of clays.
  • Properties of clays and layered materials, their industrial applications.
  • Environmental use of clay minerals and layered materials, including for toxic waste disposal.
  • Computer modelling and artificial intelligence in clay mineral science.

Additional information:
  • You can view the Meeting Program via the link.
  • Registration for the quiz "Mysteries of the Mineralogy of Western Siberian Sandstones" within the VIII Russian School on Clay Minerals Argilla Studium-2025 is now available via the link.

Contact information:
  • Scientific Secretary of the Meeting: Natalya Andreevna Maksimova, mobile: +7 (952) 175-10-16
  • Chair of the Program Committee: Maxim Andreevich Rudmin, mobile: +7 (913) 858-19-22

We look forward to seeing you at the "Clays-2025" Meeting and the "Argilla Studium-2025" Scientific School in Tomsk!
]]> On September 10, 2025, V. A. Drits passed away https://ruclay.com/tpost/vf1lozxi11-on-september-10-2025-v-a-drits-passed-aw https://ruclay.com/tpost/vf1lozxi11-on-september-10-2025-v-a-drits-passed-aw?amp=true Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0300 It is with deep regret that we announce that on September 10, at the age of 93, one of the leading specialists in the field of crystal chemistry of clay minerals – Victor Anatolievich Drits – passed away.

On September 10, 2025, V. A. Drits passed away

The Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group, together with the staff of GIN RAS and IGEM RAS, deeply regret to announce that on September 10, at the age of 93, one of the leading specialists in the field of crystal chemistry of clay minerals – Victor Anatolievich Drits – passed away.

OBITUARY

V. A. DRITS

1932-2025

V. A. Drits was born on November 25, 1932 in the settlement of Chernovskie Kopi, Chita Region. In 1951, Victor Anatolievich entered Irkutsk State University, from which he graduated with honors in 1955. Between 1955 and 1961, V. A. Drits worked as an assistant at the Faculty of Physics of IGU, and in 1962 he defended his dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the Institute of Crystallography of the USSR Academy of Sciences in Moscow. From that same year, Victor Anatolievich worked at the Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (GIN RAS), progressing from Senior Researcher (1962-1970), Head of the Laboratory of Physical Methods for Studying Rock-Forming Minerals from its establishment in 1970 until 2005, Deputy Director of the Institute (1988-1992), and Principal Researcher (from 2005). In 1975, V. A. Drits defended his doctoral dissertation, and in 1986 he was awarded the title of Professor.

Victor Anatolievich Drits can be fully considered a pioneer in the field of crystal chemistry of clay minerals. His areas of interest included modeling diffraction patterns from defective layered structures, interpreting Mössbauer and infrared spectra of layered silicates, and revealing new possibilities of electron diffraction and thermal analysis. His developments and advanced results not only gained wide international recognition but are also used in the practice of leading domestic and foreign laboratories.

V. A. Drits is the author and co-author of more than 520 scientific works, including 8 monographs. He leads in citation index among Russian scientists in Earth Sciences and is among the most cited Russian scientists across all fields of knowledge.

In 1992, for his outstanding contribution to mineralogical science, V. A. Drits was elected an Honorary Doctor of the University of Orléans (France). He was one of 20 current Honorary Members of the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland. As a scientist who made an outstanding contribution to clay mineral science, he was elected a Distinguished Member of The Clay Minerals Society (CMS, USA). In 1997, V. A. Drits was awarded the gold medal of the International Association for the Study of Clays (AIPEA) as a researcher who achieved revolutionary advances in the field of clay mineralogy. In 1996, he was honored with the Pioneer Lecture at the annual meeting of CMS, and in 1997, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, an international conference "Journées Scientifiques en l'Honneur de Victor Anatolievitch DRITS" was held in Paris.

For 35 years, V. A. Drits headed the Laboratory of Physical Methods for Studying Rock-Forming Minerals at GIN RAS. For many years, V. A. Drits collaborated intensively and successfully with leading domestic (IGEM RAS, SPGU, IGGD RAS, KFU, INGG SO RAS, etc.) and foreign (University of Orléans and Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble (France), the Geological Survey of Denmark, the University of Tokyo (Japan), the United States Geological Survey, etc.) scientific institutions.

The broad and diverse scientific activity of V. A. Drits is akin to the work of a conductor who works with various groups of musicians, whose ideas they adopt and fruitfully implement. Wherever and with whomever V. A. Drits worked, a group of like-minded people formed around him, attracted not only by Victor Anatolievich's highest scientific potential and enthusiasm for solving scientific problems, but also by his unique human qualities: genuine kindness and sincere friendliness, charm and openness, love of life, and, of course, a wonderful sense of humor.
We, all those who in one way or another deal with clay minerals, grew up on his articles, books and lectures. He was not only a great scientist, but also an amazing lecturer, able to convey extremely complex aspects of mineral structure in simple language. We will keep his bright image in our hearts and minds. We mourn…
]]> Seminar of the INSCAN Company "Scanning Electron Microscopy in Russia Today" https://ruclay.com/tpost/aonnozxgu1-seminar-of-the-inscan-company-scanning-e https://ruclay.com/tpost/aonnozxgu1-seminar-of-the-inscan-company-scanning-e?amp=true Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in a one-day promotional seminar organized by the INSCAN company on the topic: "Scanning Electron Microscopy in Russia Today".

Seminar of the INSCAN Company "Scanning Electron Microscopy in Russia Today"

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you and your colleagues to take part in a one-day promotional seminar organized by the INSCAN company on the topic: "Scanning Electron Microscopy in Russia Today", which will provide an overview of modern scanning electron microscopes officially available in Russia. INSCAN specialists will present the results of an analysis of the market for modern solutions that allow significantly expanding the functionality of scanning electron microscopes under current conditions. During this seminar, you will learn about development prospects and trends in the Russian market for electron microscopes and related equipment, which will help you make the optimal choice of equipment to solve your current task.

After the seminar ends, there will be a tour of the demonstration hall in Moscow, where you can see the equipment in operation and test it on your own samples.

You can view the seminar program via the link.
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Location: Moscow, Stremyanny Lane, 11 (Paveletskaya metro station), conference hall of the Select Hotel Paveletskaya.
Participation: Free
How to register?

To participate in the seminar, you must contact the responsible staff in advance by a method convenient for you and inform them of your participation via the following contacts:

  • Elena Nikolaevna Ilinskaya (Elena.ILINSKAYA@tescan.ru, mobile +7 (921) 758-03-60)
  • Andrey Alexandrovich Kudryavtsev (Kudryavtsev.Andrey@tescan.ru, mobile +7 (921) 920-82-21, office +7 (812) 322-58-99)
]]> "CLAYS-2025" meeting and "ARGILLA STUDIUM-2025" school https://ruclay.com/tpost/16kyjit4o1-clays-2025-meeting-and-argilla-studium-2 https://ruclay.com/tpost/16kyjit4o1-clays-2025-meeting-and-argilla-studium-2?amp=true Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0300 Conferences From September 8 to 12, 2025, the VII Russian Meeting on Clays and Clay Minerals and the VIII Russian School on Clay Minerals ARGILLA STUDIUM took place in Tomsk.

"CLAYS-2025" meeting and "ARGILLA STUDIUM-2025" school

Brief summary of the event

  • 5‑day programme: 2 days of scientific school + 3 days of conference
  • 87 registered participants from 22 cities of Russia + Belarus + Serbia
  • 3 plenary lectures, 40 oral presentations, 18 poster presentations
  • Single session of talks → interdisciplinary interactions
  • Main topics: crystal chemistry, diagnostics, properties, ecology, barrier materials, modelling, oil & gas

Day 1. Scientific school – lecture day

Lecture block for early‑career researchers and PhD students

The first day's programme included a series of tutorial lectures on the basics of clay mineral diagnostics and analytics: sample preparation, X‑ray diffraction, spectroscopy, questions of classification and nomenclature.

The school presented real research case studies, discussed methods for separating minerals from complex natural samples, approaches to interpreting diffractograms and the combination of techniques, as well as specific aspects of working with glauconite, amorphous phases and approaches to discovering new minerals.

Day 2. Scientific school – ROSNEFT "TomskNIPIneft" JSC

The second day was entirely practice‑oriented and took place at a leading industrial institute for oil‑and‑gas geology – TomskNIPIneft JSC.

Participants worked through a "mineralogical quiz" to determine the composition of an unknown sample, then visited specialised laboratories: the core storage and lithology laboratory; the X‑ray powder diffraction laboratory; the analytical facility for sample preparation and data interpretation; the petrophysics laboratory, and others.

At the end of the school, the launch of the first all‑Russian competition for quantitative analysis of clay minerals (analogous to the Reynolds Cup) was announced.

Day 3. Conference opening and plenary lectures

The official opening of the conference was attended by the Rector of TPU and the leadership of the School of Earth Sciences & Engineering. The opening was accompanied by messages from the sponsors (INSCAN LLC and SNK PVP).

The plenary session included three key talks reflecting current directions in clay‑rock mineralogy:
  • S. M. Aksenov – Structure and stoichiometry of palygorskite‑sepiolite series minerals
  • I. N. Semenkov – Technobiogeomes and mineral formation at sites of accumulated environmental damage at Baikonur
  • M. V. Slukovskaya – Influence of landscape factors on the efficiency of soil remediation using composite clay materials

Session 1. Crystal chemistry and structural features of clay minerals and layered materials

This session was devoted to fundamental issues of crystal chemistry, structural ordering and modification of clay minerals. Speakers presented research results on:

  • structural transitions in layered silicates under thermal and chemical treatment;
  • ion‑exchange mechanisms in titanosilicate and aluminosilicate systems;
  • experimental data on the polymorphism of clay particles.

Special attention was paid to methods: XRD, TG‑DTA, IR spectroscopy.

Session 2. Geology, mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of clays

This session was devoted to the origin, formation conditions and geochemical characteristics of clay minerals in various geological settings. Processes of diagenesis, weathering and sedimentation leading to the formation of kaolinites, smectites and chlorites were considered, as well as the factors controlling their chemical and isotopic composition.

Particular attention was given to the role of clays as indicators of palaeoenvironments and as sources of information on the thermodynamic conditions of sedimentation. Talks covered the mineral composition of the clay fraction of the Bazhenov Formation, patterns of authigenic mineral formation, and the influence of water composition on the structure of sedimentary minerals.

The results presented help refine facies and palaeogeographic models of sedimentation.

Session 3. Properties of clays and layered materials, their industrial applications

This session brought together research on the physico‑chemical properties of clays and directions for their practical use in various industries. Talks covered a wide range of issues:

  • plasticity, porosity and thermal resistance of natural and modified clays;
  • rheology and structural changes during hydration and drying;
  • use of clays in geopolymers, drilling and grouting fluids, building materials and sorbents.

Particular attention was given to the development of composite and nanostructured materials based on smectites, glauconite and kaolin with enhanced sorption and catalytic activity. The talks showed that understanding the microstructure and mechanical properties of clays is directly linked to the efficiency of their industrial use.

Poster session

The poster session brought together 25 studies presented by young scientists, PhD students and research groups from universities, academic institutes and industrial laboratories.

The works covered a wide range of topics: clay geology, experimental mineralogy of clay phases, structural modification to increase sorption capacity, environmental technologies based on bentonites and glauconites, modelling, and others.

The "live poster" format allowed for in‑depth discussion of results, exchange of contacts and formation of new research links. At the end of the session, a participant survey was conducted, the best posters were identified, and works with original methodology and high practical potential were recognised.

Session 4. Environmental use of clay minerals and layered materials, including for toxic waste disposal

This session was devoted to the application of clay minerals in environmental safety, remediation of contaminated media, and the creation of engineered barriers for the isolation of industrial and radioactive waste.

Topics included sorption mechanisms for binding radionuclides (Cs, Sr, I, U) by natural and modified clays, the influence of cation exchange and interlayer structure on pollutant retention, and the long‑term behaviour of barrier materials in contact with groundwater and corrosive solutions.

Talks included examples of the use of bentonites, glauconites and layered‑silicate composites in deep radioactive waste disposal systems.

The research showed that clays are a key component of multibarrier protective systems and have significant potential for further engineering optimisation.

Session 5. Computer modelling and artificial intelligence in clay mineral and layered material science

This session presented current directions in computational mineralogy and the application of atomistic modelling methods to study the structure, properties and behaviour of clay minerals.

Talks covered a wide range of topics: predicting the sorption capacity of modified clays using machine learning, modelling the coordination states of U(VI) on smectites, computational methods for assessing the durability of bentonite barriers.

The session demonstrated a growing interest in integrating classical mineralogy with digital methods and computational technologies.

Field trip – weathering crust outcrops

The field trip concluded the scientific programme of the conference and was devoted to studying the weathering crust with natural exposures of clay rocks.

The route included two locations with pronounced vertical zonation: upper horizons with kaolinisation and iron depletion, middle zones dominated by chlorite and illite, and lower horizons with primary aluminosilicates.

Despite challenging weather conditions and a steep climb on the final part of the trail, the excursion was completed in full, combining educational, research and team field work.

Best early‑career presentations at the "CLAYS‑2025" conference

Based on expert voting by the programme committee, the best early‑career research presented in oral and poster form was recognised.

🏆 Winner of the award for best oral presentation
  • T. A. Koroleva. Influence of synthesis conditions on the formation of kaolinite‑group minerals

🏆 Top 3 oral presentations
  • A. A. Alekseev. Production of geopolymer materials based on natural clay minerals
  • A. M. Lebedeva. Study of halopelite interlayers in the productive sequence of the Verkhnekamskoye deposit
  • I. R. Menshikova‑Tonjan. Sorption of caesium and strontium on bentonite clays from different deposits

📌 Best poster presentations
  • P. P. Kozlov. Study of iodide‑anion diffusion through compacted bentonite samples modified with metallic silver
  • P. N. Maksimov. Natural nanocontainers based on halloysite for the production of micronutrients / fertilisers

Continuation and future events

The results of "CLAYS‑2025" confirmed the high demand for a regular meeting format and the Argilla Studium scientific school, focused on fundamental and applied research of clay minerals.

Plans include:
  • holding an all‑Russian competition for quantitative analysis of clay minerals analogous to the Reynolds Cup;
  • expansion of the thematic scope;
  • formation of a working group for data and personnel exchange between universities, research centres and industrial laboratories;
  • holding the next conference and school in 2027 in Moscow, hosted by IGEM RAS.
]]> Special Issue "Glaucony Facies Revisited: From Sedimentary Chronology to Ocean-Climate-Society Archives" https://ruclay.com/tpost/ygbxu0hkn1-special-issue-glaucony-facies-revisited https://ruclay.com/tpost/ygbxu0hkn1-special-issue-glaucony-facies-revisited?amp=true Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0300 Publications We invite you to take part in the special issue of the journal Frontiers in Earth Science (Q2, SJR).

Special Issue "Glaucony Facies Revisited: From Sedimentary Chronology to Ocean-Climate-Society Archives"

Dear Colleagues!

A special issue of the journal Frontiers in Earth Science (Q2, SJR) has been opened, entitled "Glaucony Facies Revisited: From Sedimentary Chronology to Ocean-Climate-Society Archives", dedicated to glauconite, its role in stratigraphy, mineralogy, geochemistry and application in modern materials.

The scope of the issue covers a wide range of topics: glauconite formation processes, its use as a stratigraphic and palaeo-indicator, links to oceanic and climatic systems, as well as current directions for the application of this mineral in environmentally friendly and nature-technical solutions. Research on illite and celadonite also falls within the thematic scope and can be submitted.

The guest editor of the issue is Maxim Rudmin, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences, Associate Professor at TPU.

We invite you to participate in this special issue!
Keywords: clays, glauconite, illite, celadonite, special issue.
]]> Transformation of bentonite clays in engineered safety barriers under model conditions https://ruclay.com/tpost/vkaol39o71-transformation-of-bentonite-clays-in-eng https://ruclay.com/tpost/vkaol39o71-transformation-of-bentonite-clays-in-eng?amp=true Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:50:00 +0300 Publications An article has been published presenting the results of a study on the transformation of bentonites under model conditions of a deep geological radioactive waste repository.

Transformation of bentonite clays in engineered safety barriers under model conditions

Dear Colleagues!

We are sharing news — the article "Transformation of bentonite clays in engineered safety barriers under model conditions" has been published, presenting the results of a study on the transformation of bentonites under model conditions of a deep geological radioactive waste repository.

The article examines the transformation changes in the smectite structure during contact interactions with engineered safety barrier materials (steel and concrete). The results can be used to justify the long-term safety of geological radioactive waste disposal at the "Yeniseisky" site, Krasnoyarsk Krai.
]]> Happy New Year 2026! https://ruclay.com/tpost/lsbp41euh1-happy-new-year-2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/lsbp41euh1-happy-new-year-2026?amp=true Sun, 28 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0300 On behalf of the Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group, we wish you a very happy upcoming 2026 year and a Merry Christmas!On behalf of the Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group, we wish you a very happy upcoming 2026 year and a Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year 2026!

Dear friends and esteemed colleagues!


On behalf of the Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group, we wish you a very happy upcoming 2026 year and a Merry Christmas!

May this year bring you not only joy, inspiration and good health, but also clarity of mind even on the most stressful days. May all your experiments be successful and your hypotheses be confirmed!

May the holidays be a warm island of peace where you can rest, recharge and plan for future discoveries. And in the new year – successful publications, fast and fair reviews, high impact factors and inexhaustible scientific enthusiasm!

Wishing you happiness – genuine, deep and stable, like the foundation of a solid theory; loved ones close by – those who support you in difficult times and rejoice in your successes; and inspiration – the kind that awakens thought in the middle of the night, leads to bold ideas and helps turn them into real achievements!

With love,
The Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group
]]> Composition, Genesis, and Adsorption Properties of Smectite–Palygorskite Clays (Lower Carboniferous, Russia) https://ruclay.com/tpost/g2mu4isi71-composition-genesis-and-adsorption-prope https://ruclay.com/tpost/g2mu4isi71-composition-genesis-and-adsorption-prope?amp=true Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0300 Publications We started the new year with the publication of a new article devoted to the smectite-palygorskite clays of the Moscow and Kaluga regions.

Composition, Genesis, and Adsorption Properties of Smectite–Palygorskite Clays (Lower Carboniferous, Russia)

Dear Colleagues!

We are starting the new year with fresh publications.

And the first thing we would like to share is the article "Composition, Genesis, and Adsorption Properties of Smectite-Palygorskite Clays (Lower Carboniferous, Russia)", devoted to the smectite-palygorskite clays of the Moscow and Kaluga regions.

The article is based on research that began quite a long time ago, but which we have only now managed to complete and publish.

It highlights the possibilities of a comprehensive analysis of clay composition and of the clay minerals themselves, with particular attention paid to near-infrared spectroscopy, which made it possible to detail the composition of palygorskite in mixtures with smectites. Thanks to this research, we were able to clarify the genetic features of the formation of two different deposits — Dashkovskoye (Moscow region, Serpukhov) and Borshchevskoye (Kaluga region).

Bibliographic reference:
Zakusin, S.; Zakusina, O.; Koroleva, T.; Morozov, I.; Chernov, M.; Krupskaya, V. Composition, Genesis, and Adsorption Properties of Smectite-Palygorskite Clays (Lower Carboniferous, Russia). Minerals 2026, 16, 70.
]]> MECC 2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/yo556iza81-mecc-2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/yo556iza81-mecc-2026?amp=true Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0300 Conferences The DTTG announces the 12th Mid-European Clay Conference (MECC 2026), which will take place in Zurich from September 6 to 11, 2026.

MECC 2026

Dear Colleagues!


The German Clay and Clay Minerals Group (Deutsche Ton- und Tonmineralgruppe e.V. — DTTG) is pleased to announce the 12th Mid-European Clay Conference (MECC 2026), which will take place at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Campus Zentral, from September 6 to 11, 2026. The conference will be organized by DTTG and ETH Zurich under the patronage of Dr. Michael Plötze.
Date: September 6–11, 2026
Venue: Zurich, Switzerland, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Campus Zentral

Important dates:
  • The opportunity to propose individual conference sessions is open until January 31, 2026
  • Abstract submission deadlines will be announced shortly
The following conference sessions have been confirmed to date:
  • Geology
  • Geomicrobiology
  • Clay Applications
  • Clay Characterization
  • Soils
  • Clays in Geotechnics
  • Atomic Scale Processes

The committee strongly encourages young postdoctoral researchers to put themselves forward to chair sessions and will provide active support throughout the entire organisation and abstract review process.

Please note that applications for participation will be reviewed by the scientific committee, and accepted applications will be announced soon after the abstract submission deadline.

Further information about the conference, invited speakers, organising committee and programme will be presented shortly on the official conference website.

For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact mecc2026@dttg.org.
]]> Laboratory modeling of microbial and chemical clay minerals transformations of upper aquifer soils under intensive technogenic impact https://ruclay.com/tpost/504dh7n1j1-laboratory-modeling-of-microbial-and-che https://ruclay.com/tpost/504dh7n1j1-laboratory-modeling-of-microbial-and-che?amp=true Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0300 Publications Another one of our articles was published the other day, which examines the influence of biogenic processes on the composition and transformation of soils in the vadose zone near sludge storage facilities.

Laboratory modeling of microbial and chemical clay minerals transformations of upper aquifer soils under intensive technogenic impact

Dear Colleagues!

Another one of our articles was published the other day — "Laboratory modeling of microbial and chemical clay minerals transformations of upper aquifer soils under intensive technogenic impact", which examines the influence of biogenic processes on the composition and transformation of soils in the vadose zone near sludge storage facilities. It is shown that microbially mediated processes cause a structural reorganization of smectite minerals into tobelite-like phases due to partial iron leaching and the saturation of interlayer spaces with ammonium.

The results highlight the need for monitoring of sludge storage facilities and the development of integrated remediation strategies that take into account the chemical and microbiological aspects of pollution.

Bibliographic reference:
Artemiev G., Popova N., Averin A., Boguslavsky A., Morozov I., Zakusina O., Krupskaya V., Safonov A. Laboratory modeling of microbial and chemical clay minerals transformations of upper aquifer soils under intensive technogenic impact. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, Vol. 277, 2026, 104 845, ISSN 0169−7722
]]> Interview with V. A. Drits from 1991 https://ruclay.com/tpost/k1rirvi6m1-interview-with-v-a-drits-from-1991 https://ruclay.com/tpost/k1rirvi6m1-interview-with-v-a-drits-from-1991?amp=true Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0300 Our colleague from Poland, Jan Środoń, sent us a 1991 interview with the outstanding mineralogist Victor Drits, who recently passed away.

Interview with V. A. Drits from 1991

Dear Colleagues!

In September 2025, the scientific community suffered a great loss – Victor Drits, an outstanding scientist whose work in mineralogy and crystallography left a deep mark, passed away. Victor Drits was not only an outstanding researcher, but also a person whose authority was highly valued by colleagues around the world. He was an honorary member of the Polish Mineralogical Society.

An unexpected and valuable gift came in the form of a letter from our Polish colleague Jan Środoń. Among his archives, he discovered and forwarded to us an interview with Victor Drits, which was taken in 1991 in Strasbourg and published in the CMS News newsletter in 1992.

Today, with Jan's permission and in memory of Victor Drits, we are publishing this interview. In it – a living voice from the past, the scientist's thoughts, his view of science and the changes of that period, a story about the beginning of his scientific journey, overcoming difficulties, scientific achievements and international cooperation.

→ CHECK THE INTERVIEW ←

The Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group expresses its gratitude to Jan for providing the materials and for his initiative.
]]> VII International Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists in Memory of A.P. Karpinsky https://ruclay.com/tpost/rv2brmp5i1-vii-international-conference-of-young-sc https://ruclay.com/tpost/rv2brmp5i1-vii-international-conference-of-young-sc?amp=true Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:28:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the VII International Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists in Memory of A.P. Karpinsky, from March 24 to 27, 2026, in St. Petersburg.

VII International Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists in Memory of A.P. Karpinsky

Dear Colleagues!

The Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency "Rosnedra" and the A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute invite you to take part in the VII International Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists in Memory of A.P. Karpinsky, which will take place from March 24 to 27, 2026 in St. Petersburg.

The conference aims to bring together young scientists and specialists in the field of geology, to exchange scientific and practical information, and to discuss current issues of modern paths for the development of regional geological study of the subsoil, as well as prospecting and exploration of mineral resources.

The conference accepts presentations on current and new scientific directions and breakthrough technologies in regional geological study of the subsoil.
Important dates:
  • Conference dates: March 24–27, 2026
  • Participant registration: until February 16, 2026
  • Deadline for abstract submission for publication: March 2, 2026
Detailed information is available on the official website.

We look forward to seeing you among the participants!
]]> VI All-Russian Scientific Conference with International Participation in Memory of Professor S.L. Shvartsev https://ruclay.com/tpost/cvivxnppl1-vi-all-russian-scientific-conference-wit https://ruclay.com/tpost/cvivxnppl1-vi-all-russian-scientific-conference-wit?amp=true Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the Sixth All-Russian Scientific Conference with International Participation "Geological Evolution of Water-Rock Interaction".

VI All-Russian Scientific Conference with International Participation in Memory of Professor S.L. Shvartsev

Dear Colleagues!

Tomsk Polytechnic University invites you to take part in the Sixth All-Russian Scientific Conference with International Participation "Geological Evolution of Water-Rock Interaction", dedicated to the 90th anniversary of Professor S.L. Shvartsev.

The conference will take place on September 14–18, 2026 in Tomsk.
Key dates:
  • Registration and abstract submission deadline – until March 31, 2026
  • Deadline for payment of the registration fee – until June 30, 2026
  • Sending invitations and preliminary conference programme – August 2026
You can find more detailed information on the conference website.
CONTACT INFORMATION

  • Natalya Vladimirovna Guseva, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences (TPU) – Chair of the Organising Committee
  • Olesya Evgenievna Lepokurova, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences (TF INGG SB RAS) – Deputy Chair of the Organising Committee
  • Elena Vladimirovna Zippa, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences (TF INGG SB RAS) – Scientific Secretary of the conference

For prompt communication, we suggest joining the "GEOWRI-INFO" group on Telegram.
Email: geowri@tpu.ru
Phone: +7(3822) 70-17-77 ext. 2901, mobile: +7 (905) 992 35 61
We look forward to seeing you among the participants!
]]> Why is halloysite so tricky? https://ruclay.com/tpost/mr9j02v7y1-why-is-halloysite-so-tricky https://ruclay.com/tpost/mr9j02v7y1-why-is-halloysite-so-tricky?amp=true Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0300 Spotlight Today we will talk about a real trickster among the kaolinite-group minerals – halloysite.

Why is halloysite so tricky?

Today we will talk about a real trickster among the kaolinite-group minerals – halloysite.

Why is halloysite so tricky?

Identifying kaolinite-group minerals is no easy task. Halloysite is particularly insidious: it easily "hides" within a mass of kaolinite. Even methods such as X‑ray diffraction or infrared spectroscopy sometimes cannot identify it unequivocally.

A real example: Reynolds Cup 12 (2024)

A striking demonstration of halloysite's "camouflage abilities" came from the Reynolds Cup 12 competition (2024). One sample contained a mixture of kaolinite with only 4% halloysite, which 65% of the competition participants did not detect. Although the proportion is small, it was possible to detect it – thanks to scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM image clearly shows the characteristic halloysite tubes.

And in the "very tricky kaolinite" sample (from the Kyshtym deposit) provided by Irina Pavlova, a significant number of halloysite tubes were hiding beneath the mask of kaolinite (see images).

How can you find it?

To reliably identify halloysite, it is often necessary to combine methods:
  • SEM – helps to see the morphology (characteristic nanotubes);
  • Thermal analysis;
  • X‑ray diffraction (XRD);
  • IR spectroscopy.

The takeaway is this:

Not everything that looks like kaolinite is kaolinite.

The SEM images were taken by Mikhail Sergeevich Chernov, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences (Lomonosov Moscow State University)
]]> Cigéo – the French programme for creating a deep geological radioactive waste repository https://ruclay.com/tpost/p88x2xnnk1-cigo-the-french-programme-for-creating-a https://ruclay.com/tpost/p88x2xnnk1-cigo-the-french-programme-for-creating-a?amp=true Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0300 Webinars We invite you to the webinar "News of the Cigéo programme: creation of a deep geological disposal facility in France".

Cigéo – the French programme for creating a deep geological radioactive waste repository

Dear Colleagues!

Do you want to learn how France is progressing in solving the issue of final isolation of national stocks of intermediate‑level and high‑level waste? We invite you to the webinar "News of the Cigéo programme: creation of a deep geological disposal facility in France".
📅 February 19, 2026, 16:00–17:30 (CET)

📍 Online | Webex
This is the fifth meeting in the webinar series "Global Progress in Environmentally Safe Solutions for Final Isolation of High‑Level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel", jointly organised by the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, the US Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy, and the Energy Communities Alliance.

Presentations will be given by representatives of Andra – the French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management, and ASNR – the French regulator for radiation protection and nuclear safety.

Detailed information and registration are available via the link.
]]> Congratulations on the International Women’s Day! https://ruclay.com/tpost/e1p5xo7ym1-congratulations-on-the-international-wom https://ruclay.com/tpost/e1p5xo7ym1-congratulations-on-the-international-wom?amp=true Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:46:00 +0300 From the bottom of our hearts, we congratulate our dear women on the holiday of March 8!

Congratulations on the International Women’s Day!

Dear women!

From the bottom of our hearts, we congratulate you on the International Women’s Day! 💖

This day is a wonderful occasion to say thank you. Thank you for being so diverse, talented, determined and sincere. Each of you has your own unique spark.

We wish you many more breathtaking moments. May every day be filled with sincere compliments, warm embraces, faith in your own strengths and boundless possibilities. May even your boldest dreams come true, and may life delight you with pleasant surprises and unexpected joys!

Be loved, healthy and truly happy! Happy holiday!
]]> XII National Crystal Chemistry Conference https://ruclay.com/tpost/gvuj7mnmy1-xii-national-crystal-chemistry-conferenc https://ruclay.com/tpost/gvuj7mnmy1-xii-national-crystal-chemistry-conferenc?amp=true Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the XII National Crystal Chemistry Conference, which will take place on July 5–10, 2026 in the city of Apatity.

XII National Crystal Chemistry Conference

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you to take part in the XII National Crystal Chemistry Conference, which will take place on July 5–10, 2026 in the city of Apatity, Murmansk Region.

The conference is held on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yuri Timofeevich Struchkov, an outstanding crystal chemist and a leading specialist in the structural chemistry of organic, metal-organic and organoelement compounds.

The conference will follow the traditional format of discussing fundamental aspects of crystal chemistry and applied research directions. The scientific programme will be formed without division by research object and will focus on the possibilities of crystal chemistry for various fields of science and technology.

The conference programme will include plenary lectures (by invitation of the Organising Committee), as well as oral (30 and 20 minutes) and poster presentations.
Important information:
  • The conference programme will be finalised after April 15
  • Participation is subject to a fee; the deadline for registration fee payment is June 10
  • Conference dates: July 5 – July 10
You can learn more on the official conference website.

We look forward to seeing you among the participants!
]]> Annual Meeting of the RMO in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky https://ruclay.com/tpost/ryslf5i8f1-annual-meeting-of-the-rmo-in-petropavlov https://ruclay.com/tpost/ryslf5i8f1-annual-meeting-of-the-rmo-in-petropavlov?amp=true Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the Annual Meeting of the Russian Mineralogical Society (RMO), which will take place on September 12–19, 2026 at the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Annual Meeting of the RMO in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you to take part in the Annual Meeting of the Russian Mineralogical Society (RMO), which will take place on September 12–19, 2026 in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at the Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The Russian Mineralogical Society has existed for more than 200 years and is the oldest of the currently existing mineralogical societies in the world. The Society is a member and one of the founders of the International Mineralogical Association, as well as the European Mineralogical Union.

The theme of the Meeting is: "The Russian Mineralogical Society Today: Fundamental and Applied Research for Creating New Approaches to the Development of Russia's Mineral Wealth".

The scientific programme will include presentations, round tables, microsymposia, seminars, a ceremony for awarding the N.I. Koksharov medals and diplomas for new mineral discoveries, as well as work of RMO commissions and branches.
Important dates:
  • Registration deadline – May 15
  • Abstract submission deadline – June 1
  • Deadline for payment of registration fees for participation – June 15
  • Meeting dates – September 12–19
You can view the Programme and the First Circular, as well as submit an application for participation, on the official conference website. Contacts: rmo41@yandex.ru.
]]> The 16th Int'l Conference on Geology and Geophysics (ICGG 2026) https://ruclay.com/tpost/aoj4z3hfk1-the-16th-intl-conference-on-geology-and https://ruclay.com/tpost/aoj4z3hfk1-the-16th-intl-conference-on-geology-and?amp=true Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0300 Conferences From June 1 to 3, 2026, the 16th International Conference on Geology and Geophysics (ICGG 2026) will take place in Xiamen, China.

The 16th Int'l Conference on Geology and Geophysics (ICGG 2026)

Dear Colleagues!

From June 1 to 3, 2026, the 16th International Conference on Geology and Geophysics (ICGG 2026) will take place in Xiamen, China.

The goal of ICGG is to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, scientists and practitioners from around the world to present their research and development results in the fields of geology, petrology, geophysics, geothermal studies, geochemistry and other related areas. ICGG 2026 will be a valuable and important platform for stimulating international and interdisciplinary exchange at the forefront of geology and geophysics.

All accepted papers will be published in a peer-reviewed open access journal, ensuring the widest possible dissemination of your published work.

Conference topics:
  • Seismology and earthquake prediction
  • Volcanology and magmatic processes
  • Geomechanics
  • Plate tectonics and mantle dynamics
  • Geophysics and exploration methods
  • Environmental geophysics
  • Petrology and mineralogy
  • Geodynamics and Earth structure
  • Palaeontology and stratigraphy
  • Hydrogeology and hydrology
  • Climate change and palaeoclimatology
  • Geophysical imaging
  • Mineral and energy resources
  • Geothermal energy
  • Geological hazards and risk reduction
  • Remote sensing and geospatial analysis
  • Coastal and marine geology
  • Geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism
  • Cryosphere research
  • Geochronology and Earth history
  • Urban geology
  • Geomagnetism and space weather
Deadlines:
  • Conference: June 1–3, 2026
  • Paper submission: April 8, 2026
  • Abstract submission: April 8, 2026
  • Listener registration: April 8, 2026
The detailed conference programme will be published at the end of April 2026. You can find detailed information, participation fees and the abstract submission procedure on the website.
]]> Yushkin Readings – 2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/vmnsmttos1-yushkin-readings-2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/vmnsmttos1-yushkin-readings-2026?amp=true Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the Yushkin Readings – 2026. The conference will take place on May 19–21, 2026 in Syktyvkar.

Yushkin Readings – 2026

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you to take part in the Russian Conference with International Participation "Modern Problems of Theoretical, Experimental and Applied Mineralogy" (Yushkin Readings – 2026), which will take place on May 19–21, 2026 in Syktyvkar.

CONFERENCE TOPICS:

  • History, philosophy and methodology of mineralogy
  • Genetic mineralogy. Typomorphism of minerals and mineral associations. Genetic-informational mineralogy
  • Mineralogical crystallography and crystal genesis. Non-classical mechanisms of crystal formation
  • Experimental modelling of mineral formation processes. Crystal synthesis
  • Constitution and properties of minerals. Mineral science. Physics of minerals
  • Micro-nano-disperse state of mineral matter. Nanomineralogy
  • Biomineralogy and biomineral interactions. Organic minerals and mineraloids
  • Mineralogy of mineral deposits. Topomineralogy
  • Mineralogy of astroblemes and meteorites
  • Artificial intelligence, big data and machine learning in mineralogy
  • Geomaterials science. Rational use of mineral raw materials. New materials based on minerals
  • Problems of preserving geological information. Geological museums
  • Mineralogy in related sciences. Archaeomineralogy. Medical mineralogy

Submission of registration forms and abstracts is carried out by email to min2026@geo.komisc.ru, indicating the subject line and full name.
Important dates:
  • Submission of presentation materials – until March 10, 2026
  • Distribution of the programme – until April 25, 2026
  • Arrival and registration of participants – May 18, 2026
  • Conference opening – May 19, 2026
  • Plenary and section sessions, poster presentations – May 19–21, 2026
You can find additional information on the conference website.
]]> MRGGE 2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/llh58hdy11-mrgge-2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/llh58hdy11-mrgge-2026?amp=true Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:13:00 +0300 Conferences The 10th International Conference on Mineral Resources, Geotechnologies and Geological Exploration 2026 (MRGGE 2026) will take place from June 26 to 28, 2026 in Qingdao, China.

MRGGE 2026

Dear Colleagues!

The 10th International Conference on Mineral Resources, Geotechnologies and Geological Exploration 2026 (MRGGE 2026) will take place from June 26 to 28, 2026 in Qingdao, China. This conference provides an international platform for researchers, engineers and practitioners to share the latest advances in the fields of mineral resource development, geotechnical engineering and geological exploration.

MRGGE 2026 focuses on technical innovations in mineral extraction and processing, geotechnical solutions for mining infrastructure, as well as approaches to geological exploration and resource modelling based on artificial intelligence and data analysis.

The conference programme will include plenary lectures, oral presentations by early-career scientists and poster sessions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among experts in these technical fields. Researchers and professionals are invited to contribute and participate in the development of experimental, model and simulation studies in mineral resources, geotechnologies and geological exploration.
Important dates:
  • Paper submission: until April 11, 2026
  • Registration deadline: May 11, 2026
  • Final version of paper submission: May 26, 2026
  • Conference dates: June 26–28, 2026
Papers submitted to MRGGE 2026 will be peer-reviewed by the conference technical committees. After a thorough review process, all accepted papers will be published in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS) (ISSN: 1742-6596) as part of the conference proceedings and submitted for indexing in EI Compendex and Scopus.

You can find additional information on the conference website.
]]> Sedimentary complexes of the Urals and adjacent regions and their minerageny – 2026 https://ruclay.com/tpost/cvs8s7gnh1-sedimentary-complexes-of-the-urals-and-a https://ruclay.com/tpost/cvs8s7gnh1-sedimentary-complexes-of-the-urals-and-a?amp=true Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:16:00 +0300 Conferences In the third decade of October 2026, the Ural Lithological Biennale "Sedimentary complexes of the Urals and adjacent regions and their minerageny – 2026" will take place in Yekaterinburg, within the walls of the Zavaritsky IGG UB RAS.

Sedimentary complexes of the Urals and adjacent regions and their minerageny – 2026

Dear Colleagues!

The Zavaritsky Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGG UB RAS), together with the Ural Section of the National Committee of Geologists of Russia, are holding the Ural Lithological Biennale in the third decade of October 2026 in Yekaterinburg, within the walls of IGG UB RAS. The Biennale includes the 15th Ural Lithological Meeting and the 6th All-Russian School for Students, Postgraduates, Early-Career Specialists and Scientists in Lithology, under the general title "Sedimentary complexes of the Urals and adjacent regions and their minerageny – 2026".

Within the framework of these events, it is planned to discuss current problems of classical and petroleum lithology and minerageny, processes of modern and ancient sedimentation and lithogenesis, palaeogeography and palaeotectonics of sedimentary basins of different ages.

Main sections of the Biennale (draft):

  • Current problems of lithology of the Urals
  • Current issues of lithology of regions adjacent to the Urals
  • Current issues of lithology of other regions of Russia and neighbouring countries
  • Petroleum lithology
  • General issues of lithology
  • Minerageny of sedimentary and metasedimentary complexes
  • Related sciences: stratigraphy of sedimentary sequences, soil science, etc.

The Organising Committee plans to publish electronic collections of materials from both the Meeting and the School. Materials for publication are accepted until April 30, 2026 via the website.

A one‑day field excursion is also planned, with the objects chosen being the Devonian and Lower Carboniferous carbonate sequences of the eastern slope of the Middle Urals.

We invite everyone interested to participate!
IGG UB RAS
]]> Conference "XXV School of Young Scientists of IBRAE RAS" https://ruclay.com/tpost/ls1l2vsg71-conference-xxv-school-of-young-scientist https://ruclay.com/tpost/ls1l2vsg71-conference-xxv-school-of-young-scientist?amp=true Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0300 Conferences We invite you to take part in the conference "XXV School of Young Scientists of IBRAE RAS", which will take place on April 28–29, 2026.

Conference "XXV School of Young Scientists of IBRAE RAS"

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you to take part in the conference "XXV School of Young Scientists of IBRAE RAS", which will take place on April 28−29, 2026.

Presentations are accepted at the conference in the following thematic areas:
  • Verification and validation of computational codes, experimental studies for substantiating the safety of nuclear industry facilities
  • Development of computational algorithms and codes for substantiating the safety of nuclear industry facilities
  • Methodological and computational support for solving problems of substantiating and ensuring safety in the management of radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel and decommissioning of nuclear and radiation hazardous facilities
  • Applied calculations for substantiating the safety of nuclear industry facilities
  • Environmental, economic and social aspects of energy development

Scientists and specialists whose age does not exceed 35 years can take part in the School of Young Scientists of IBRAE RAS. To participate, it is necessary to submit an application and the text of the abstract in electronic form, as well as permission for its publication. Applications and abstracts are accepted by email at school2026@ibrae.ac.ru until April 13, 2026.

For questions and suggestions, please contact:
]]> Crystal chemistry of minerals and their analogues: energetic aspects and structural diversity https://ruclay.com/tpost/bklkpeseo1-crystal-chemistry-of-minerals-and-their https://ruclay.com/tpost/bklkpeseo1-crystal-chemistry-of-minerals-and-their?amp=true Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:29:00 +0300 Conferences On September 25, the conference "Crystal chemistry of minerals and their analogues: energetic aspects and structural diversity" will take place at the Department of Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry of Moscow State University.

Crystal chemistry of minerals and their analogues: energetic aspects and structural diversity

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you to take part in the All-Russian Conference "Crystal chemistry of minerals and their analogues: energetic aspects and structural diversity", dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vadim Sergeevich Urusov, Head of the Department of Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry of the Geological Faculty of Moscow State University (1983−2015).

The conference will be held in person on September 25, 2026 at the Department of Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry of Moscow State University.

You can register and submit abstracts on the official website via the link. You can also view the first circular.
]]> In memory of Victor Drits https://ruclay.com/tpost/061uh17291-in-memory-of-victor-drits https://ruclay.com/tpost/061uh17291-in-memory-of-victor-drits?amp=true Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0300 We express our sincere gratitude to Jan Środoń for his heartfelt material about our colleague Victor Drits in the March bulletin of the Polish Mineralogical Society.

In memory of Victor Drits

Dear Colleagues!

In March 2026, the website of the Polish Mineralogical Society published a bulletin containing a text by Jan Środoń dedicated to memories of our departed colleague and friend V. A. Drits.

We express our sincere gratitude for this material, for the warm words and carefully preserved memories. This is very precious for all who knew and remember Victor Drits.

Jan Środoń in memory of Victor Anatolievich Drits
On September 10, 2025, at the age of 93, two years after the death of his beloved wife Irina, Victor Anatolievich Drits passed away – an honorary member of our Society, one of the most outstanding clay mineral researchers in the world.

He was born in a village near Chita in Siberia, where his ancestors had been exiled in the 19th century for revolutionary activities. He began his scientific career at Irkutsk University. He studied physics, but after defending his master's thesis on quantitative X‑ray analysis of mineral mixtures, he became fascinated with mineralogy. He devoted his doctoral dissertation to clay minerals, including mixed‑layer minerals, which he was the first to identify on the territory of the former Soviet Union. After a conference in Lviv in 1957, where he presented his results, he received six job offers from various national research institutions, and in 1962 he chose the Institute of Geological Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, with which he remained associated almost until the end of his life. There he established the Laboratory of Mineralogical Research by Physical Methods, which for decades became a world‑leading centre of its kind. He mentored many outstanding researchers. He collaborated intensively with many scientists in Poland and abroad. He is the author or co‑author of more than 520 articles and eight monographs. With over 13,000 citations, he ranks second among Russian scientists in Earth Sciences (according to the ScholarGPS ranking, which includes only 186 of his English‑language articles). Besides clay minerals, he devoted much work to fine‑grained manganese and iron‑bearing minerals (collaboration with Grenoble). He also devised the structure and named charoite, a beautiful purple semi‑precious mineral from the Chara River in Siberia.

Victor Drits's connections with the Polish mineralogical community date back to 1978, when he accompanied Academician F. V. Chukhrov to the first Polish clay conference in Bolesławiec and presented a paper on the structure of muscovite‑phengite series micas.

In 1985, while working with Dennis Eberl at the US Geological Survey in Denver, I persuaded the organisers of the International Clay Conference in Denver to make an exception and fund the travel and participation of Victor Drits, a person then unknown to the American mineralogical community. After the conference, we organised a multi‑day trip for Victor Drits to southern Colorado and New Mexico, in which Professor Leszek Stoch also took part.

Thus, nascent friendly bonds grew into long‑term collaboration. From 1993 to 1997, we spent 2–3 months in Boulder, Colorado, in the home of Denny and Jo Eberl, jointly studying clay mineral crystallite sizes and developing methods for measuring these sizes. The undisputed leader of this group was Victor Drits, and the undersigned recalls this collaboration as the most exciting period of his scientific career. In 1999, Victor Drits took part in the EUROCLAY conference in Kraków. From 1998 to 2005, we collaborated for several months each year in Houston, Texas, in the mineralogy laboratory of Texaco (later Chevron), headed by Douglas McCarty. The work mainly concerned quantitative analysis of mineral mixtures using X‑ray and infrared methods, as well as calculating geophysical well parameters based on quantitative mineralogical and geochemical analysis of rocks.

Krzysztof Mystkowski, an exceptionally talented programmer and former PhD student of the undersigned, took part in this work. After 2005, in the same laboratory in Houston, and then in Kraków during a one‑year stay of Victor and Irina Drits in Poland, Victor collaborated with Arkadiusz Derkowski on the thermal dehydroxylation of clay minerals. Their last joint work was published in 2016. Victor worked in science until the end of his life; his last publication dates from 2025.

In my long life I have met many scientists from all over the world. Among them, Victor Drits was the most outstanding figure, both in terms of accumulated knowledge and the ability to apply it. He was also a man with a charming personality and broad horizons, so working with him was a great privilege and pleasure. We were friends for forty years and continued to correspond in the spring of 2025. I perceive his death as a personal loss, not to mention the loss to our discipline. But 'Non omnis moriar': Victor's enormous achievements will remain forever in science. May he rest in peace.

— Jan Środoń
You can read the original text of the bulletin on the website of the Polish Mineralogical Society via the link.

Victor Drits with his wife Irina (Houston, 1998)

Victor Drits, Paul Nadeau and Dennis Eberl in the foyer of the Słowacki Theatre in Kraków, Euroclay, 1999

]]> AIPEA-Talk: 10th International Workshop on Layered and Nanostructured Materials https://ruclay.com/tpost/prv7ctffj1-aipea-talk-10th-international-workshop-o https://ruclay.com/tpost/prv7ctffj1-aipea-talk-10th-international-workshop-o?amp=true Sun, 03 May 2026 12:45:00 +0300 Conferences Webinars From August 25 to 28, 2026, the Workshop on Layered and Nanostructured Materials (IWLNM26) will take place in France.

AIPEA-Talk: 10th International Workshop on Layered and Nanostructured Materials

Dear Colleagues!

It is not too late to submit abstracts for the 10th International Workshop on Layered and Nanostructured Materials (IWLNM26), which will take place from August 25 to 28, 2026 in Mulhouse, France.

Why should you participate?

This workshop will discuss the design, characterisation and advanced applications of layered and nanostructured materials, zeolites and hybrid systems.

The programme includes sessions devoted to AI‑assisted material design, advanced modelling, multifunctional properties and innovations driving progress in energy, environmental sustainability, healthcare and composite technologies.

The following distinguished scientists from around the world have confirmed their participation as invited speakers:
  • Chiara Bisio – Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont, Italy
  • Margarita Darder – Institute of Materials Science of Madrid, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain
  • Christine Taviot‑Gueho – Institute of Chemistry of Clermont‑Ferrand, University Clermont Auvergne, France
  • Jovana V. Milić – Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Finland, and Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Jiří Čejka – Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Czech Republic
  • Gian‑Marco Rignanese – Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN), Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain‑la‑Neuve, Belgium
  • Shunsuke Sasaki – Jean Roussel Institute of Materials (IMN), University of Nantes, France

Join a unique event where cutting‑edge science meets real‑world outcomes. Affordable registration fees are designed to encourage broad participation.
Abstract submission deadline – May 7, 2026
Website: https://iwlmn26.sciencesconf.org/
For general inquiries, you can contact the organisers by email: iwlmn26@sciencesconf.org
Jocelyne Brendlé, Chiara Bisio, Pierre Rabu and Fabrice Leroux – Chairs of IWLNM26
]]> AIPEA-Talk: Newsletter No. 58 https://ruclay.com/tpost/lhaa7cgcv1-aipea-talk-newsletter-no-58 https://ruclay.com/tpost/lhaa7cgcv1-aipea-talk-newsletter-no-58?amp=true Fri, 08 May 2026 13:08:00 +0300 Publications Spotlight The AIPEA Newsletter No. 58, which covers the events of 2025, has been published on the AIPEA website.

AIPEA-Talk: Newsletter No. 58

Dear Colleagues!

We are pleased to announce the publication of the 58th issue of the AIPEA (Association Internationale pour l'Étude des Argiles) Newsletter. This issue is dedicated to the key events and achievements of 2025.

In it you will find:
  • Reviews of past conferences and working meetings, including a review of the events of the Russian Clay and Clay Minerals Group (pages 32–34 of the newsletter)
  • Announcements of future events
  • Scientific news and updates from AIPEA working groups
  • Important announcements from the Association's national member committees

The newsletter will be of interest both to specialists in the fields of clay mineralogy, crystallography and materials science, and to all those who follow the development of research on layered and nanostructured materials.

How to access it?

You can download issue No. 58 in PDF format by following the link:
🔗 https://aipea.org/newsletters/ (section "Newsletters")

Enjoy reading!

Participants of the CLAYS-2025 Meeting and the ARGILLA STUDIUM-2025 School

]]> Seminar "New types of design for near‑surface radioactive waste disposal facilities of class 4 (light maps)" https://ruclay.com/tpost/ytin450l41-seminar-new-types-of-design-for-nearsurf https://ruclay.com/tpost/ytin450l41-seminar-new-types-of-design-for-nearsurf?amp=true Mon, 18 May 2026 13:11:00 +0300 Webinars We invite you to take part in the seminar: "New types of design for near‑surface radioactive waste disposal facilities of class 4 (light maps)". The seminar will be held via videoconference.

Seminar "New types of design for near‑surface radioactive waste disposal facilities of class 4 (light maps)"

Dear Colleagues!

We invite you to take part in the seminar: "New types of design for near‑surface radioactive waste disposal facilities of class 4 (light maps)". The seminar will be held via videoconference. For questions regarding the seminar of the scientific supervisor of the deep geological disposal facility project, please contact by email: erlik@ibrae.ac.ru

Confirmed speaker:
  • Olga A. Ilyina, Project Manager, IBRAE RAS
Seminar date: May 21, 2026, starting at 10:00
Meeting ID for connection: 951−74

Access website:
https://ivavks.rosatom.ru/#login_by_id

Guest link for connection:
https://ivavks.rosatom.ru/#join:t66efd4c8-c157−49c7-a9be-89f2ba27d864
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