Kaolin, also called china clay,  a white, soft powder consisting principally of the mineral kaolinite,  that is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of china and porcelain and is widely used in the making of paper, rubber, paint, and many other products. 

Kaolin is named after the hill in China (Kao-ling) from which it was mined for centuries. 

Uses of Kaolin

Kaolin clay china clay have an important role in producing whiteware. It has a high fusion temperature, and its naturally bright white color makes it useful for manufacturing pure white ceramics, porcelain, china, sanitary ware and kaolin pottery.

Paper Industry: The primary use of kaolin is in the paper industry.  It serves as a paper coating which improves appearance by contributing to brightness, smoothness and gloss.  It also improves printability as a filler.  

China, Porcelain and Tableware: Kaolin plays a valuable component in china and other tablewares.  Its color, gloss and hardness are ideal characteristics for such products.

Other Uses: Kaolin has a variety of other uses in products including paint, rubber, cable insulation, specialty films and fertilizers.