Organo-mineral association

Organo-mineral association in the subsurface is a natural process controlled by a range of bonding mechanisms, and therefore it is practically impossible to separate one from other. The resulting organo-mineral complex has surface properties different from the original components. For example, hydrophilic clay surfaces may become hydrophobic. 

Kogel-Knabner, I., Guggenberger, G., Kleber, M., Kandeler, E., Kalbitz, K., Scheu, S., Eusterhues, K., and Leinweber, P. (2008). Organo-mineral associations in temperate soils Integrating biology mineralogy and organic matter chemistry J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 171, 61-82. 

The metabolic activities of soil microorganisms are also significantly altered by surface adsorption on clays although very little is known yet about the interactions that take place between the indigenous population and soil surfaces. Soil phosphatases are also intimately associated with the soil organo-mineral complex and their adsorption on clay surfaces usually but not invariablyreduces enzyme activities. The mechanisms of adsorption of proteins, including enzymes, on clays and the effects on their properties have recently been reviewed . ... 

The mineral matter in coal consists chiefly of silicate, sulphide, carbonate species, and chlorides and organo-metallic compounds associated with the fuel substance (1,2). The silicate mineral particles vitrify partially or completely, in the pulverized coal flame ( 3), and thus the silicate ash fraction of the initial deposit consists of particles of variable amounts of a glassy phase and crystalline species ( ). 

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