Kaolin is a type of clay mineral that is composed mainly of the mineral kaolinite. It is a soft, white or gray mineral that is valued for its whiteness, fine particle size, and unique properties, which make it useful in many different industries.
Kaolin is used in a variety of applications, including paper, ceramics, paints, and cosmetics. In the paper industry, kaolin is used as a filler and coating material to improve the quality and printability of paper.
In the ceramics industry, it is used as a raw material for the production of ceramics, such as tiles, dishes, and figurines. In the paint industry, it is used as a pigment and filler to improve the properties of paint. In the cosmetics industry, it is used in a variety of products, such as face masks, soaps, and powders, due to its ability to absorb oil and improve the texture of the product.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS | |
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Color / Whiteness | White to light gray, high brightness |
Particle Size | Fine, typically 1–10 µm (micronized grades available) |
Hardness | 1 – 2 (very soft clay mineral) |
Specific Gravity | ~2.6 – 2.7 |
Plasticity | Excellent plastic behavior in ceramics |
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS / PROPERTIES | |
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Composition | Al₂O₃·2SiO₂·2H₂O (Kaolinite structure) |
Fe₂O₃ and TiO₂ | Low (< 0.5% each); high-purity grades available :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
pH Stability | Neutral to mildly acidic (~4.5–7.5), skin-safe :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
Adsorption | Excellent—absorbs oils, heavy metals, and organic pollutants :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
Thermal Stability | Retains structure up to high temperatures; calcined grades available :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
Used as a major raw material in float and container glass to enhance clarity, chemical durability, and hardness.
Acts as a filler and flux to improve whiteness, thermal shock resistance, and glaze surface in tiles and sanitaryware.
Used in molding and core-making applications due to its high thermal resistance and chemical purity.
High-purity quartz is essential in producing silicon wafers and other components for microelectronics.
Used as a functional filler to improve sheen, scratch resistance, and durability in architectural and industrial paints.
Acts as a reinforcing agent and filler, enhancing strength, UV resistance, and thermal stability.
Quartz’s hardness and purity make it suitable for grinding, blasting, and manufacturing refractory bricks.
Functions as a filler material to boost viscosity, bond strength, and thermal performance.
The following are key properties of the Kaolin supplied by EarthCore Minerals:
EarthCore Minerals offers versatile Kaolin suited for various industrial and personal care applications, including: