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X-ray fluorescence, themogravimetric-differential thermal analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, particle size analysis and Atterberg limits were used to study physico-chemical, mineralogical and thermal properties of two types of clays from four different locations of Tamilnadu, India. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of these clays differ considerably. The mineralogy indicated that the alluvial clays (G1 and G2) comprise highly quartz, illite, kaolinite, plagioclase and small amount of chlorite. The red clays (R1 and R2) were also rich in quartz, well-ordered kaolinite and abundant Fe-bearing minerals such as goethite and hematite. With respect to chemical composition, the G1 and G2 clays contained high amount of SiO2, low amount of Al2O3 and low loss on ignition, however, the R1 and R2 clays contain moderate amount of SiO2, Al2O3, and high amount of Fe2O3 and high loss on ignition. The results indicate that clays from alluvial deposit have adequate characteristics for common brick fabrication. However, clays collected from red clay deposit possessing adequate properties for roofing tile manufacturing and can be used for the manufacturing of common brick with some modification.

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At present, as Tamilnadu coastal area is in a rapid development stage of new harbour, chemical industries, power plants, oil exploration and other large-scale industries, further assessment of petroleum hydrocarbons and the various hydrodynamic conditions acting in the region are to be studied in detail and continuous pollution monitoring studies should be conducted for improving the aquatic environment. The results will also be useful for pollution monitoring program along the coastal region and also to check the levels of petroleum hydrocarbons.