Kaolin

Kaolin  also known as ‘china clay’ or by its chemical structure as hydrated aluminum silicate, is a versatile and highly valuable mineral. Formed over millions of years by the hydrothermal decomposition of granite rocks, kaolin stands out due to its fine particle size, plate-like or lamellar particle shape, and remarkable chemical inertness. This unique combination of properties makes kaolin essential across diverse industrial applications.

Properties

  • Natural state kaolin is a white, soft powder consisting principally of the mineral kaolinite, which, under the electron microscope, is seen to consist of roughly hexagonal, platy crystals ranging in size from about 0.1 micrometre to 10 micrometres or even larger.