Caracterización y propiedades de las bentonitas de Amotape (Región Grau-Perú)

Bentonitas are one of the non-metallic mineral resour­ ces more abundant in Grau Region (Peru). The physicochemical and mineralogical characteristics of ore from five deposits in the Amotape Zone are systematically evaluated in the present paper. Ore reserve are estima­ ted in 1.7 millon tonnes. By chemical and mineralogical analyses the bentonites can be assimulaated to Wyoming type. Possible apptications for these bentonites may be the preparation of drilling muds, foundry sands and iron ore pelletising. KEY WORKS: Bentonite, clinoptilolite, cristobalite, autogenetic minerals.