Laboratory evaluation of kaolin: a case study from Zambia

Mitchell, C.J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5911-5668. 1994 Laboratory evaluation of kaolin: a case study from Zambia. In: Whateley, M.K.G.; Harvey, P.K., (eds.) Mineral resource evaluation II, methods and case histories. London, UK, The Geological Society, 241-247, 7pp. (Geological Society Special Publication, 79, 79).

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Abstract/Summary

Kaolin is principally used as a white pigment in the manufacture of paper and whiteware ceramics and in paints, rubbers and plastics. The desirable properties of kaolin in these end uses include chemical purity, high kaolinite content, fine particle size, euhedral kaolinite platelets, high brightness values and appropriate rheology. This paper outlines the laboratory evaluation of a kaolin from Chilulwe, near Serenje, Central Province of Zambia. The kaolin occurs in a hydrothermally-altered feldspar pegmatite within a granite-gneiss basement. Initial laboratory characterisation of the kaolin showed it to consist mainly of microcline feldspar (80%) with 17% kaolinite and trace quantities of muscovite, beryl and tourmaline. A kaolinite concentrate, produced by wet screening and hydrocycloning, contained 79-87% kaolinite, with a clay (<2 microns) content of 58%, a brightness of 70-76% (86-87% on firing) and a viscosity concentration of 68%. Transmission electron microscopy showed the kaolinite to consist of rolled and hexagonal crystals. The results of the study showed that the Chilulwe kaolin, and by-product K-feldspar, have potential as a raw material for the manufacture of ceramics products.

Item Type:	Publication - Book Section
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1144/GSL.SP.1994.079.01.21
Programmes:	BGS Programmes > Other
ISBN:	1897799063
Additional Keywords:	Zambia, Kaolin deposits
NORA Subject Terms:	Earth Sciences
Date made live:	26 Mar 2010 13:49 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/9527

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