Colorimetry of modified clays with mineral and organic additions

The objective of this investigation was to quantify the colorimetric values of different clays with some additions. Exploring the aesthetic appreciation, based on the clay color, of different additions percentages (by clay mass) with Santiago Undameo Bank, Mexico, clays as main matrix. Clay was kaolinite and the additions were gypsum, lime, opuntia cactus mucilage, portland cement, and sodium hydroxide. The addition percentages were 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. The best colorimetric performances were obtained from Portland cement at 6%, sodium hydroxide at 4%, lime and gypsum at 8% and opuntia cactus mucilage at 4% and 8%. Some buildings where these clay materials were used are: Casas grandes en Paquime, Chihuahua, La Venta en Tabasco, Yacatas en Tzintzuntzan, among others.