mineral
Kaolinite (China Clay / Chalky Claystone)
Al2Si2O5(OH)4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 1.5–2.0 on the Mohs scale. Color: Off-white, pale tan, beige, or light grey. Luster: Dull, earthy, soft appearance. Structure: Triclinic (microcrystalline masses). Very soft and powdery to the touch.
- Hardness
- 1
- Color
- Off-white, pale tan, beige, or light grey
- Luster
- Dull, earthy, soft appearance
Identified More mineral →
Explore Kaolinite (China Clay / Chalky Claystone) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 1.5–2.0 on the Mohs scale. Color: Off-white, pale tan, beige, or light grey. Luster: Dull, earthy, soft appearance. Structure: Triclinic (microcrystalline masses). Very soft and powdery to the touch.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the chemical weathering or hydrothermal alteration of aluminum silicate minerals like feldspar, commonly found in granitic rock settings.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in the production of ceramics, porcelain, paper coating, rubber, cosmetics, and paints.
Geological facts
Kaolinite is named after Kao-Ling village in Jiangxi Province, China, where it was mined for centuries to produce fine porcelain.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its very low hardness (scratched easily by a fingernail), soft chalky feel, earthy dull luster, and pale color. Found abundantly worldwide in weathered clay deposits.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary