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)
intoothpaste
as a light-diffusing material in whiteincandescent light bulbs
incosmetics
in industrial insulation material called Kaowool (a form ofmineral wool)
in 'pre-work' skin protection andbarrier creams
inpaintto extend thetitanium dioxide(TiO2) white pigment and modify gloss levels
for modifying the properties ofrubberuponvulcanization
in adhesives to modifyrheology
inorganic farmingas asprayapplied to crops to deterinsectdamage, and in the case of apples, to prevent sun scald
aswhitewashin 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 Discs
as a filler to give bulk, or a coating to improve the surface inpapermaking
as an indicator inradiological datingsince kaolinite can contain very small traces ofuraniumandthorium
to 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 treatment
to induce blood clotting in diagnostic procedures, e.g.Kaolin clotting time
in 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