Kaolin dosage

Kaolin analysis allows for the characterization of the composition and purity of this natural white clay, used in numerous industrial sectors, including cosmetics, natural pharmaceuticals, ceramics, plastics, and environmental applications. The analysis aims to determine the mineralogical nature of the material as well as the possible presence of metallic or silicate impurities that could alter its properties or limit its use.

This service is aimed at manufacturers, formulators and suppliers of raw materials wishing to guarantee the conformity and quality of their kaolin-based products according to the technical and regulatory requirements in force.

Kaolin: a technical and natural clay

Kaolin (CAS No. 1332-58-7) is a white clay primarily composed of kaolinite , a hydrated aluminum silicate. This mineral is formed by the weathering of feldspar-rich rocks, such as granites, and is distinguished by its high purity and fineness.

Thanks to its physicochemical properties – whiteness, chemical inertness, low abrasiveness, covering power and high adsorption – kaolin is widely used in:

• cosmetics ( masks, powders, absorbent treatments),
• natural pharmacy ( excipient, adsorbent or soothing agent)
• ceramics and porcelain ,
• the formulation of paints and polymers ,
• materials and mineral fillers ,
• the treatment of soils and industrial sludge .

The mineralogical and chemical purity of kaolin directly influences its whiteness, adsorption capacity, and compatibility with formulated matrices. Therefore, assaying allows verification of its conformity to specific requirements and ensures consistent quality between batches.

Objectives and measured parameters

The kaolin dosage aims to:

• identify the nature and proportion of the constituent minerals (kaolinite, quartz, illite, montmorillonite, etc.),
• determine the levels of major and trace elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, Na, K, Mg),
• assess the chemical purity and whiteness of the product,
• detect any metallic or silicate impurities,
• verify the conformity of natural raw materials to industrial standards.

This information is essential for quality control of supplies , qualification of new deposits or validation of formulations in which kaolin acts as a functional filler.

Analytical methods used

The characterization of kaolin relies on several complementary analytical methods allowing a complete approach to its chemical and mineralogical composition:

• X-ray diffraction (XRD) : reference method to identify the crystalline phases present in the sample and determine the proportion of kaolinite relative to accessory minerals (quartz, illite, smectite).
• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) : a non-destructive technique used to quantify major and minor chemical elements, expressed as oxides (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, etc.).
• ICP-OES or ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma optical emission or mass spectrometry) : allows precise analysis of trace metallic elements, including at concentrations below ppm, in order to verify the conformity of kaolin to the required purity thresholds.

These methods are complementary and allow for a complete mapping of the material, combining mineralogical, chemical and structural information.

For mineral or clay characterization projects, these analyses can be combined with other services from the YesWeLab catalogue such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, or ICP-MS spectrometry.

Industrial applications

Kaolin dosage applies to several sectors:

• Cosmetics and natural pharmacy : verification of the purity of kaolin used in masks, powders, poultices or capsules; control of metallic contaminants.
• Ceramics and refractory materials : validation of the mineralogical composition and thermal properties of kaolin before incorporation into ceramic pastes.
• Polymers and composites : control of mineral fillers incorporated in technical plastics and coatings to ensure their whiteness and dispersion.
• Environment and geosciences : identification of clays in soils and industrial sludge, study of deposits and monitoring of depollution processes.

YesWeLab also offers complementary analyses to evaluate the functional properties of clays and mineral materials, such as laser particle size analysis, BET specific surface area, or thermal differentiation (ATG-DSC).

Analysis performed at YesWeLab

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of laboratories specializing in the characterization of materials, clays, and industrial minerals. These laboratories have state-of-the-art XRD, XRF, and ICP-MS equipment, guaranteeing the reliability and accuracy of the results.

Most partners are certified or accredited according to ISO 17025 and the COFRAC standard, ensuring compliance and traceability of analytical data.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists its clients in selecting the most appropriate methods based on the nature of the sample and the objective of the testing (purity, conformity, identification). Thanks to its digital platform, analysis management is simplified: online quote requests, sample tracking, and rapid receipt of analytical reports.

Since 2020, many manufacturers in the cosmetics, ceramics, polymers and environmental sectors have trusted YesWeLab for their mineralogical and physicochemical analyses.

Technical data

• CAS No.: 1332-58-7
• Methods: XRD, X-ray fluorescence, ICP-MS, ICP-OES
• Expertise: Physico-chemical
• Business sectors: Environment, cosmetics, materials
• Measured parameters: Mineralogical composition and major/trace elements

For any specific request or need for technical support, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical advice tailored to your mineral raw materials.