kaolinite

[ key-uh-luh-nahyt ]

noun

1. a very common mineral, hydrated aluminum disilicate, Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 , formed by the alteration of other minerals, especially feldspar: the most common constituent of kaolin.

kaolinite

/ ˈkeɪəlɪˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a white or grey clay mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium silicate in triclinic crystalline form, the main constituent of kaolin. Formula: Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4

kaolinite

/ kā′ə-lĭ-nīt′ /

1. A soft, white triclinic mineral occurring in friable masses. Kaolinite forms as the result of the hydrothermal alteration or weathering of feldspar. It is used in the ceramic industry. Chemical formula : Al 2 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaolinite¹

First recorded in 1865–70; kaolin + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

With time, as the soft tissue decayed, a white-colored clay mineral called kaolinite filled the void left by the brain.

From New York Times

We also use composites made from readily available materials such as kaolinite clay, papaya seeds and plantain peels to extract heavy metals from water.

From Nature