Kaolin is a mineral with chemical formula of Al4[Si4O10](OH)8. It was first found in Gaoling near Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province, where it gets its name. Kaolin belongs to triclinic system with the shape of earthy block. Pure kaolin is white or stained to other colors when with impurities. The color is tarnish. Hardness: 1-2; even fracture; specific gravity: 2.61-2.68. Dry kaolin is earthy, which can be easily crushed to powder; damp kaolin has better plasticity. Feldspar aluminum silicate minerals formed the main components of clayey sediment after weathering or hydrothermal alteration. Pure dense earthy block is called “kaolin” or “porcelain clay”, which is an important material in ceramics and electrotechnical porcelain industries, and can be also used for stuffing materials in paper making and rubber industries.
Kaolin has a wide range of application. It is mainly applied in paper making, ceramics, refractory materials, paints, rubber stuffing, enamel material and white cement materials, etc. Sometimes it will be also used in plastic, paints, ink, grinding wheel, pencil, make ups, soap, pesticide, medicine, textile, oil, chemicals, construction and national defense industries, etc.