china clay
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A fine, white clay: A soft, white, earthy material formed by the natural weathering of rocks containing aluminum minerals, such as feldspar. It is valued for its purity and plasticity when wet. 2. An industrial material: This substance is used extensively in the production of ceramics (like porcelain), as a coating and filler in paper manufacturing, and as an absorbent in various products.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The porcelain's translucency comes from the high quality of the china clay used.
- This region is famous for its deposits of china clay, which are mined for export.
- The paper has a smooth, bright finish due to the china clay filler.
Advanced Usage
- "Kaolin" as a technical synonym: In industrial and geological contexts, "china clay" is almost always referred to by its mineral name, kaolin.
- The chemical composition of kaolin is crucial for its use in pharmaceuticals.
- In art conservation: Kaolin (china clay) can be used as a gentle abrasive for cleaning delicate surfaces.
- The conservator used a paste of china clay and water to clean the marble sculpture.
Variants and Related Words
- Kaolin (n): The standard mineralogical and industrial name for china clay.
- Kaolinite is the principal mineral in kaolin.
- Kaolinite (n): The specific hydrated aluminum silicate mineral that is the primary component of china clay/kaolin.
- Porcelain clay (n): Another synonym emphasizing its use in making high-quality ceramics.
- White clay (n): A descriptive, non-technical term.
Synonyms
- Kaolin (n): The direct technical synonym.
- Porcelain clay (n): Highlights its ceramic application.
- White clay (n): A descriptive synonym.
Related Phrases
- China clay pit: Refers to the open-cast mine where china clay is excavated.
- The landscape was marked by several large china clay pits.
- Kaolin processing: Refers to the industrial treatment of the mined clay to remove impurities.
- The kaolin processing plant removes quartz and mica to produce a purer product.
Noun
- a fine usually white clay formed by the weathering of aluminous minerals (as feldspar); used in ceramics and as an absorbent and as a filler (e.g., in paper)