China clay, or kaolin, is a soft, white, fine-grained mineral consisting primarily of kaolinite, formed by the weathering of feldspar. Widely used in ceramics, paper, paint, rubber, and cosmetics, it is prized for its plasticity, white color, and low electrical/heat conductivity. Global production was roughly 45 million tonnes in 2021.
Key Properties and Composition
- Composition: Hydrated aluminum silicate.
- Physical Characteristics: White to greyish powder, soft texture, plate-like (lamellar) structure, and non-abrasive.
- Chemical Characteristics: Chemically inert, low shrink–swell capacity, and low cation-exchange capacity.
- Impurities: Iron oxide can produce pink, orange, or red colorations, although pure forms are white.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.