Abstract: Essentially pure strontium carbonate is recovered from low to medium grade strontium sulfate containing ores by first treating the ore with a hydrochloric acid solution to remove extraneous materials including calcium, magnesium, barium, and iron. The remaining strontium sulfate containing residue is treated with ammonium carbonate to produce insoluble strontium carbonate and soluble ammonium sulfate. The strontium carbonate then is converted to soluble strontium chloride through treatment with a second, stronger hydrochloric acid solution. Any remaining extraneous barium or iron is removed from the second acid solution before the strontium chloride is reconverted to insoluble strontium carbonate and precipitated out of solution for recovery.

Abstract: The strength of a bead containing microbial cells within a retaining permeable membrane is improved by incorporating finely divided sericitic clay particles within a hydrocolloid-containing composition used to form the membrane. The hydrocolloid is preferably alginic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, methylethylcellulose or polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of about 10 to 40% by weight.

Abstract: An adsorbent, absorbent product can be produced from sericitic clays by removing alumina values from such clays with a mineral acid, removing oil contaminants from such clay with a solvent or solvent mixture and removing amorphous silica from them with a caustic solution. The particles of the clay are dried after treatment in these manners. They are then ready to use.

Abstract: Sericitic clays can be treated so as to produce silica gel and an adsorbent, absorbent product capable of being utilized in many different applications. In treating such clays to produce such products, finely ground clay particles are digested with an alkali so as to produce an alkali silicate solution which is separated from the remaining inorganic material. The latter is digested with an acid so as to remove alumina values. The particles remaining should then be washed and dried prior to being used as an adsorbent, absorbent material. The alkali silicate solution is preferably subjected to electrolysis to bleach contaminants within the solution and then treated with an acid so as to gel the silicate. After the gel is formed, the gel and the solution are neutralized. The gel is then separated and dried.