Kaolinite is a clay mineral, part of the group of industrial minerals, with the chemical composition Al2Si2O5(OH)4. It is a layered silicate mineral. Rocks that are rich in kaolinite are known as china clay, white clay, or kaolin.
It is a soft, earthy, usually white mineral (dioctahedral phyllosilicate clay), produced by the chemical weathering of aluminium silicate minerals like feldspar. In many parts of the world, it is colored pink-orange-red by iron oxide, giving it a distinct rust hue. Lighter concentrations yield white, yellow or light orange colours. Alternating layers are sometimes found, as at Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia, USA.
Kaolinite is one of the most common minerals; it is mined, as kaolin, in Brazil, Bulgaria, France, United Kingdom, Iran, Germany, India, Australia, Korea, the People’s Republic of China, the Czech Republic, and the United States.
Kaolinite clay occurs in abundance in soils that have formed from the chemical weathering of rocks in hot, moist climates—for example in tropical rainforest areas.
Kaolin is used in ceramics, medicine, coated paper, as a food additive in toothpaste, as a light diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs, and in cosmetics. It is generally the main component in porcelain.
The largest use is in the production of paper, including ensuring the gloss on some grades of paper. Commercial grades of kaolin are supplied and transported as dry powder, semi-dry noodle or as liquid slurry.
Source: Wiki
Image source: Precious Mines and Minerals
Im not sure what kind of clay this is, but I bought a 10lb bag for less then $2.00 US today. It says it is “natural clay” http://www.walmart.com/ip/Special-Kitty-Premium-Highly-Absorbent-Cat-Litter-10-lb/10315648#Q%26A+Exchange Somewhere else I did read that clumping kitty litter was made with kaoline……
It is bentonite (calcium)