|
CLAY #1 Go on to: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 Kaolinite 
Detail of this specimenReturn to: Alphabetical Listing Basic Key QFL Clastic Key |
|
|
Physical Properties
White, gray, yellowish; dull, pearly on cleavage; perfect basal cleavage (although the individual crystals are microscopic); earthy, plastic when wet.. |
Description
Kaolinite is a clay, the weathering product of orthoclase feldspars. This specimen is pure kaolinite, but normally it would be mixed with other materials, such as iron oxides (coloring it), and organic matter.Clays become shales when they are deposited. |