Kaolinite

Kaolinite is a clay mineral, part of the group of industrial minerals, with the chemical composition Al2Si2O5(OH)4. It is a layered silicate mineral, with one tetrahedral sheet of silica (SiO4) linked through oxygen atoms to one octahedral sheet of alumina (AlO6) octahedra. Rocks that are rich in kaolinite are known as kaolin or china clay.

Formation

Kaolinite is formed by weathering or hydrothermal alteration of aluminous minerals such as feldspar. Its name comes from Kao-Ling, a village in Jiangxi Province, China, where it was first discovered.

Structure and composition

Kaolinite has a triclinic crystal structure, and its hardness on the Mohs scale is 2. The mineral has a white streak, although its color may vary from white to yellow to red, depending on impurities.

Uses

Kaolinite is used in a variety of industrial applications, including paper coating, ceramic ingredient, and an additive in food and pharmaceutical products. It is also used in cosmetics, and it is the main component of porcelain.

Health effects

Inhalation of kaolinite can cause lung damage, and long-term exposure can lead to pneumoconiosis. It is not considered a carcinogen.

See also

• List of minerals
• Clay minerals
• Industrial minerals

Kaolinite Resources
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