Cunningham Township in Urbana in Champaign County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Illite and Clay Mineralogy

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

1. Illite and Clay Mineralogy Marker

Inscription.
A leading researcher of clay minerals (which constitute 40% of all sedimentary rock), Professor Ralph Early Grim discovered the mineral illite and opened a new field of geological study, clay mineralogy. Grim's work led to important advances in soil mechanics and new industrial uses for clay minerals in oil refining, drilling and ceramics.

Erected by University of Illinois.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the University of Illinois series list.

Location. 40° 6.568′ N, 88° 13.58′ W. Marker is in Urbana, Illinois, in Champaign County. It is in Cunningham Township. Marker can be reached from West Green Street west of South Mathews Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Marker is on the west side of the Natural History Building, approximately 325 feet south of West Green Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 W Green St, Urbana IL 61801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cyclothems (within shouting distance of this marker); Understanding Photosynthesis (within shouting distance of this marker); Natural History Building (within shouting distance of

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this marker); Former Site of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (about 500 feet away); Measuring Molecular Structure (about 500 feet away); Archaea (about 500 feet away); Multiphase Fluid Dynamics (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Urbana.

Also see . . .
1. Ralph Early Grim. Wikipedia entry on the renowned geologist and scientist. (Submitted on June 13, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Illite. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on August 13, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Ralph E. Grim image. Click for full size.

Photographed By University of illinois, unknown

2. Ralph E. Grim

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

3. Illite and Clay Mineralogy Marker

Illite mineral image. Click for full size.

United States geological Survey (Public Domain)

4. Illite mineral

Illites are a group of mica-type clay minerals widely distributed in marine shales and related sediments.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 43 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on August 13, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on June 8, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on June 13, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.