kaolinite

American  

[key-uh-luh-nahyt] / ˈkeɪ ə ləˌnaɪt /

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.

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kaolinite British  

/ 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

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kaolinite Scientific  

/ 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 .

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Etymology

Origin of kaolinite

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

Example Sentences

The kaolinite pieces observed by Perseverance range in size from small pebbles to large boulders.

From Science Daily

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

Broz noted that kaolinite can also form through hydrothermal processes on Earth, where hot water alters rock underground.

From Science Daily

Satellite data has revealed large kaolinite deposits elsewhere on Mars, but Perseverance has not yet reached those locations.

From Science Daily