What Is Kaolin?

ibbsite is an aluminum oxide mineral that has the same structure as these aluminum layers in Kaolin. The silicate and gibbsite layers are tightly bonded together with only weak bonding existing between these silicate/gibbsite paired layers (called s-g layers). The weak bonds between these s-g layers cause the cleavage and softness of this mineral. The structure is very similar to the Serpentine Group and at times the two groups are combined into a Kaolin-serpentine Group.
Kaolin shares the same chemistry as the minerals halloysite, dickite and nacrite. The four minerals are polymorphs; meaning they have the same chemistry, but different structures. All four minerals form from the alteration (mostly weathering) of aluminum rich silicate minerals such as feldspars. Kaolin is by far the most common and most clay deposits contain at least some Kaolin. In fact, clay deposits will frequently be nearly 100% Kaolin pure!
Kaolin is important to the production of ceramics and porcelain. It is also used as filler for paint, rubber and plastics since it is relatively inert and is long lasting. But the greatest demand for Kaolin is in the paper industry to produce a glossy paper such as is used in most magazines.

Kaolin Powder

Kaolin (Lump)

SiO2	68.050
Al2O3	22.298
TiO2	0.290
Fe2O3	0.160
CaO	0.140
MgO	0.275
K2O	0.173
Na2O	0.206
LOI	8.150

Kaolin Physical Properties and Chemical Analyse

Kaolin Usage

* Kaolin (a clay mineral) and mica can be substituted for talc in the production of rubber, paint, and plastics.
* Kaolin can be used in place of talc in paper production.
* Kaolin (a clay mineral) and mica can be substituted for talc in the production of rubber, paint, and plastics.

Recommended Filled of Application