The present work discusses the mineralogy, saturated adsorption of ammonium and adsorption of heavy metal ions （Cu^2＋, Pb^2＋ and Zn^2＋） on industrial vermiculite samples from the Yuli Mine in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The saturated adsorption capacity of ammonium and the affection factors of adsorption of Cu^2＋, Pb^2＋ and Zn^2＋ are discussed on the basis of the mineralogical characteristics of the industrial vermiculite samples. The saturated adsorption capacities of ammonium are between 56.02 and 98.42 mmol/100g. The time of adsorption equilibrium is about 30-60 min, and the pH values and concentration of the ion solution significantly affect the adsorption capacities of the heavy metal ions. The adsorption capabilities of the heavy metal ions on industrial vermiculite are almost the same in the low ion concentration solutions, characterized by a sequence of Zn^2＋〉Pb^2＋〉Cu^2＋ for adsorption capacity in solutions with relatively high ion concentration. The results have practical significance for the application of the industrial vermiculite to treating wastewater containing ammonium or heavy metal ions.
