The main use of the mineral kaolinite (about 50% of the time) is the production ofpaper; its use ensures the gloss on some grades ofcoated paper.Kaolin is also known for its capabilities to induce and accelerate blood clotting. In April 2008 the USNaval Medical Research Instituteannounced the successful use of a kaolinite-derivedaluminosilicateinfusion in traditionalgauze, known commercially as QuikClot Combat Gauze, which is still the hemostat of choice for all branches of the US military.Kaolin is used inceramics(it is the main component ofporcelain)intoothpasteas a light-diffusing material in whiteincandescent light bulbsincosmeticsin industrial insulation material called Kaowool (a form ofmineral wool)in 'pre-work' skin protection andbarrier creamsinpaintto extend thetitanium dioxide(TiO2) white pigment and modify gloss levelsfor modifying the properties ofrubberuponvulcanizationin adhesives to modifyrheologyinorganic farmingas asprayapplied to crops to deterinsectdamage, and in the case of apples, to prevent sun scaldaswhitewashin traditional stone masonry homes in Nepal (the most common method is to paint the upper part with white kaolin clay and the middle with red clay; the red clay may extend to the bottom, or the bottom may be painted black)as a filler inEdison Diamond Discsas a filler to give bulk, or a coating to improve the surface inpapermakingas an indicator inradiological datingsince kaolinite can contain very small traces ofuraniumandthoriumto soothe an upsetstomach, similar to the wayparrots(and later, humans) inSouth Americaoriginally used it(more recently, industrially-produced kaolinite preparations were common for treatment ofdiarrhea; the most common of these wasKaopectate, which abandoned the use of kaolin in favor ofattapulgiteand then (in the United States)bismuth subsalicylate(the active ingredient inPepto-Bismol))for facial masks or soap (known as "White Clay")as adsorbents in water and wastewater treatmentto induce blood clotting in diagnostic procedures, e.g.Kaolin clotting timein its alteredmetakaolinform, as apozzolan; when added to a concrete mix, metakaolin accelerates the hydration ofPortland cementand takes part in thepozzolanic reactionwith theportlanditeformed in the hydration of the main cement minerals (e.g.alite)in its alteredmetakaolinform, as a base component forgeopolymercompounds