Kaolin
Kaolin
Kaolin (pronounced: /ˈkeɪəlɪn/), also known as china clay, is a naturally occurring white, soft, plastic clay primarily composed of the mineral kaolinite. Its name is derived from the hill in China (Kao-ling) from which it was first mined for centuries.
Etymology
The term "Kaolin" is derived from the name of the place where it was first discovered, the Kao-Ling hill in the Jiangxi province of China. The word "Kao" means high and "Ling" means hill in Chinese. The name was later anglicized to "Kaolin".
Composition
Kaolin is composed mainly of kaolinite, a clay mineral, along with other minerals like mica, quartz, feldspar, and anatase. It is characterized by its white color, though it may be stained yellow to brown by iron oxides.
Uses
Kaolin has a wide range of uses. It is used in the production of porcelain, paper, paint, and cosmetics. In medicine, it is used in pharmaceuticals and as an adsorbent in the treatment of diarrhea.
Related Terms
- Kaolinite: The primary mineral in kaolin.
- China Clay: Another name for kaolin.
- Porcelain: A ceramic material made by heating kaolin.
- Pharmaceuticals: Medicinal drugs where kaolin is used as an ingredient.
- Adsorbent: A substance that allows gas, liquid or dissolved solid to adhere to its surface, used in medicine to treat diarrhea.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kaolin
- Wikipedia's article - Kaolin
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