FERRIHYDRITE - A REVIEW OF STRUCTURE, PROPERTIES AND OCCURRENCE IN RELATION TO SOILS

Ferrihydrite occurs in soils undergoing rapid weathering, and in soils containing soluble silicate or organic anions which inhibit the formation of more crystalline iron oxides. Because of its very light specific surface area and adsorptive capacity (analogous to allophane), ferrihydrite can profoundly influence soil properties, even if present in only low concentrations. Ferrihydrite was recognised as a mineral by the International Mineralogical Association in 1975. Its structure and chemical formula, however, are not yet clearly understood. Most evidence to date indicates hexagonal-\close-packed layers of 02-, OH-, and H2O with Fe(III) occupying octahedral positions and giving a trigonal unit cell (a=0.508 nm; c=0.94 nm). Some samples appear to have only a partially ordered structure and uncertainty exists as to how to name such material. Natural ferriliydrites commonly contain up to about 9% Si and the role and location of silicate are subjects of active research. At concentrations greater than 5-10%, ferrihydrite in soils can usually be identified by X-ray diffraction. At lower concentrations, a combination of methods can be indicative. Acid-oxalate-extractable iron is a convenient and often useful indicator of the presence and quantity of ferrihydrite in a soil, though it cannot be regarded as a means of positive identification.