A recommended procedure for the preparation of oriented clay-mineral specimens for X-ray diffraction analysis: Modifications to Drever's filter-membrane peel technique: USGS Open-File Report 82-71 : 9781288896691 : 1288896697 : 11 Mar 2013 : Extremely well-oriented clay mineral mounts for X-ray diffraction analysis can be prepared quickly and without introducing segregation using the filter-membrane peel technique. Mounting problems encountered with smectite-rich samples can be resolved by using minimal sample and partial air-drying of the clay film before transfer to a glass slide. Samples containing small quantities of clay can produce useful oriented specimens if Teflon masks having more restrictive areas are inserted above the membrane filter during clay deposition. War]page and thermal shock of glass slides can be controlled by using a flat, porous, ceramic plate as a holding surface during heat treatments.