Tag: Kaolinite

The practice of eating earth, known as geophagy, is an ancient human behavior observed across various cultures and continents, with historical accounts dating back to Hippocrates around 400 BC. A specific manifestation of this is eating kaolinite, a type of white clay, which is driven by a complex mix of cultural, psychological, and physiological factors.

Revered for centuries, white clay, commonly known as kaolin, is a soft, earthy mineral predominantly composed of the mineral kaolinite. The precise mineral composition of white clay, which can include trace elements like silica and aluminum, makes it highly valuable across numerous industries, from high-end ceramics to gentle skincare.

The Earth's crust is approximately 8% aluminum, and as a result, the answer is a definitive yes: clay does contain aluminum. However, the aluminum in clay is not in a free metallic state but is a fundamental component of its mineral structure, affecting its properties and uses.