Eli5: what exactly is clay? How is it different from regular dirt or loam?

Question

Eli5: what exactly is clay? How is it different from regular dirt or loam?

In: 16

Answer 1

Clay particles are so small you need an electron microscope to see it. Silt particles you would need an optical microscope.

Dirt and soil has sand, silt, and clay size particles, along with organic material.