The Georgia Kaolins: Geology And Utilization

Kaolin is a naturally occurring white clay that is used in a variety of commercial applications ranging from paper coating to brick making. This SME handbook examines the science and business of kaolin exploration and production in the southeastern United States where it has been mined for more than a century. The book is the result of a collaborative effort and includes contributions from several recognized industry experts. It provides an in-depth look at the many different disciplines involved in kaolin production, including geology, mining, mineralogy, geochemistry, and microbiology. It's written to give industry practitioners a better understanding of this versatile material in order to improve exploration, processing, and product quality. The handbook summarizes available data on the geology of Georgia kaolin and presents a regional stratigraphic framework as an aid to future mineral exploration, research, and mapping. The text presents an excellent overview of the types and grades of kaolin, their mineralogy, and how these qualities relate to various commercial applications. Finally, it reviews common processing techniques employed to remove impurities and improve kaolin quality.