Clay Minerals: From Paleoclimatic and Paleoenvironmental Indicators to Industrial Raw Materials

This Reprint gathers recent advances in the study of clay minerals across a wide range of geological and applied contexts. The contributions highlight how clay minerals serve as archives of paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental conditions, while also acting as key raw materials in industrial processes. By integrating mineralogical, geochemical, and petrological approaches, this Reprint illustrates how clay formation, transformation, and distribution reflect complex interactions between paleoclimate, tectonics, and surface processes. At the same time, the collected studies emphasize the growing technological and economic importance of clay minerals, including their roles in resource exploration, environmental management, and material applications. Overall, this Reprint provides a comprehensive and current perspective on clay minerals as both paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental indicators and industrial resources, bridging fundamental research with applied developments and highlighting their relevance in addressing environmental and industrial challenges.