kaoline
Noun 1. A fine, usually white clay: A soft, white, earthy material formed by the natural weathering of aluminum-containing minerals, such as feldspar. It is chemically inert and has low conductivity.
Kaoline is primarily used as a material in industrial and artistic applications due to its specific properties. * It is a key ingredient in the production of ceramics, especially porcelain. * It is used as a filler to add bulk and smoothness to products like paper, paint, and rubber. * Its absorbent qualities make it useful in medicines, such as an ingredient in some anti-diarrheal preparations.
- The porcelain's translucency and strength come from the high-quality kaoline used in its composition.
- This grade of paper contains kaoline as a filler to improve its printability and opacity.
- The geologist identified the white deposit as kaoline, formed from decomposed granite.
- Kaolinite: This is the specific name for the mineral that constitutes kaoline clay. In scientific contexts, "kaolinite" is often used to refer to the mineralogical composition, while "kaoline" or "kaolin" refers to the commercial clay material.
- China clay: This is a common synonym, especially in industrial contexts, highlighting its historical and primary use in making fine china (porcelain).
- Kaolin (n): The more common modern spelling and variant of "kaoline". The two terms are interchangeable.
- Kaolinite (n): The specific hydrous aluminum silicate mineral (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) that is the principal component of kaolin/kaoline.
- China clay (n): An industrial synonym for kaolin.
- Porcelain clay (n): Another synonym emphasizing its use in ceramics.
- China clay
- Porcelain clay
- White clay
The word "kaoline" has one core meaning referring to the specific type of clay. Its different uses (in ceramics, as a filler, as an absorbent) are applications derived from its inherent physical and chemical properties (inertness, whiteness, absorbency), not separate definitions.
- 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)