LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Clay
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Clay minerals are typically formed over long periods of time by the gradual chemical weathering of rocks (usually silicate-bearing) by low concentrations of carbonic acid and other diluted solvents. These solvents (usually acidic) migrate through the weathering rock after leaching through upper weathered layers. In addition to the weathering process, some clay minerals are formed by hydrothermal activity. Clay deposits may be formed in place as residual deposits, but thick deposits usually are formed as the result of a secondary sedimentary deposition process after they have been eroded and transported from their original location of formation. Clay deposits are typically associated with very low energy depositional environments such as large lake and marine deposits.
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Clay is a major industrial mineral resource in Arkansas. Combined industry output in 1995 amounted to over 1 million tons of raw clay, valued at over $1.2 million. In 1995, Arkansas ranked 4th in the nation in production of both kaolin and fire clays, and 9th in common clays. Few data concerning tonnage and grade of individual clay deposits in Arkansas are available, but the amount of potentially useful clay in Arkansas is substantial. Changes have ocurred in the various clay industries in recent years. Some changes are due to technological advances, changing economic conditions, opening new markets, shifts in demand, and increases in both domestic and export markets. Changing conditions which affect the clay industry in Arkansas include increasing freight rates, energy costs, production and marketing costs, and governmental control (mining laws).
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Clay assumes leadership responsibility for Westfield's commercial linesand personal lines operations. He most recently served as Senior Executivefor Personal Lines and Small Business Accounts. Prior to that, Clay wasSenior Executive, Commercial Lines, responsible for all commercial packagebusiness in Westfield's 17 active property and casualty states. Clay beganhis insurance career with Westfield in 1980.
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Clay consists of a sheet of interconnected silicates combined with a second sheetlike grouping of metallic atoms, oxygen, and hydroxyl, forming a two-layer mineral such as kaolinite. Sometimes the latter sheetlike structure is found sandwiched between two silica sheets, forming a three-layer mineral such as vermiculite. In the lithification process, compacted clay layers can be transformed into shale. Under the intense heat and pressure that may develop in the layers, the shale can be metamorphosed into slate.
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While the health benefits of vitamin D are well known, prescribing sunshine to get vitamin D is highly irresponsible," stated dermatologist Clay J. Cockerell, M.D., president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Even when wearing sunscreen, the average person receives enough incidental ultraviolet (UV) exposure through daily activities to achieve recommended vitamin D levels. People should not increase their exposure to either natural or artificial UV light because there is a high risk of developing skin cancer from repeated exposure."
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Clay is one of the three principal types of soil, the other two being sand and loam. A certain amount of clay is a desirable constituent of soil, since it binds other kinds of particles together and makes the whole retentive of water. Excessively clayey soils... are exceedingly difficult to cultivate. Their stiffness presents resistance to implements, impedes the growth of the plants, and prevents free circulation of air around the roots. They are cold and sticky in wet weather, while in dry weather they bake hard and crack. Clods form very often in clayey soils.
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