Kaolinite - Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄

Habit: White to cream and pale yellow; also often stained various hues, tans and browns being common. Rarely crystals, thin platy or stacked, to 2 mm. Pearly to dull earthy luster; translucent to opaque. White streak.

Environment: A primary constituent of clay beds formed by decomposition of feldspar-bearing rocks

Etymology: Named for the ancient Chinese locality Kaoling (Gaoling), whose name means "high ridge."