Specialty minerals play a critical role in countless industries across various sectors to reach the lives of millions. From plastic, adhesive, paper, textile to paint industry, these minerals find their application in everyday activities.

This write up shares information about two of the most widely used specialty minerals namely Steatite and Kaolinite.

Steatite

Steatite is commonly called soapstone. It is soft in texture with smooth surface and can be found in diverse colors like green, brown and gray. It is very easy to carve soapstone. The striking characteristic of soapstone is its resistance to heat and stain. And because of this feature soapstone becomes one of the most popular raw materials for kitchen countertops.

People find soapstone as a sophisticated and elegant choice for interior design elements especially in kitchen. More than the aesthetic qualities, soapstone is an excellent material for kitchen countertops as it is unaffected by natural acids and citrus juices which can damage other materials. It is also a very good choice for pool surroundings and patios. Furthermore, steatite or soapstone as it is often referred to, is resistant to bacteria.

Kaolinite

Kaolinite is the most common and important member of the kaolin group of minerals. It is formed by the process of chemical weathering of aluminum silicate minerals like Feldspar. To produce kaolinite, ultrafine natural kaolinite is heated at high temperature in a kiln. This process is called calcination. Due to the process of calcination, the whiteness and hardness along with the size and shape of kaolinite particles alters.

Kaolinite, a clay mineral with chemical composition Al2Si2O5(OH)4, is a layered silicate mineral. Its alternate names are china clay or kaolin. In different parts of the world, kaolinite is found in varying colors from pink, orange to red because of the presence of iron oxide.

Features of kaolinite such as color, softness and particle size has made it a leading choice for numerous industrial sectors. This specialty mineral is widely in demand. In industries including rubber, paint and ceramic, kaolinite is used as a pigment. Although application of kaolinite does not limit to these sectors. It is extensively used in manufacture of cement, fertilizers, detergents, insecticides, cosmetics and medicines.