Dr Keith Norrish

This mineral was named in honour of Dr Keith Norrish in recognition of his contribution to layer-silicate research, through both clay mineralogy and the development of analytical methods.

Keith Norrish graduated with an MSc from the University of Western Australia and joined CSIRO Soils in Adelaide in 1946 to study the clay mineralogy of soils. He was awarded a CSIRO scholarship to study overseas from 1949 to 1951 and completed his PhD from the University of London at Rothamsted Experimental Station. He returned to CSIRO as Head of the newly formed Mineralogy Section.  

Keith pioneered the development of X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectrometry for routine analysis of minerals and ores and applied these techniques to studies on the crystalline swelling of montmorillonite, the weathering of micas, and to phosphate and manganese minerals in soils and their ability to accommodate heavy metals.  His research made a significant contribution to an understanding of the chemical and physical behaviour of soils.  Keith retired from CSIRO as a Chief Research Scientist in 1989 but continued his research as an Honorary Fellow until 2013. 

Keith’s honours include the Prescott Medal from the Soil Society of Australia (1977), Fellow of The Australian Academy of Science (1977) and the Bailey Distinguished Member Award from the Clay Minerals Society (USA) in 2001. Keith received an Order of Australia in 1989 and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Western Australia in 2002.