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