The crystal chemistry of zirconium sulphates. Part VII. Structural relationships and transformations among the Zr(SO 4) 2-hydrates

The structural relationships between the hepta-, α and β-penta, tetra-, and γ and α-monohydrates of Zr(SO ₄) ₂ and of α-Zr(SO ₄) ₂ are summarized, and transformations among them are discussed. The observed dehydration and hydration sequences support the view that, in transformations resulting in polymorphic forms, the modification which is structurally closest to its precursor is likely to be formed first.