KAl2Si4O10OH2

KAl2Si4O10(H2O) is a naturally occurring mineral of the kaolinite group. It is a type of silicate mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, particularly in clays and shales. The mineral is composed of aluminum, silicon, oxygen, and water, with a chemical formula that indicates the presence of two aluminum ions, one potassium ion, four silicon ions, and a silicate group that includes ten oxygen ions and one hydroxide ion.

KAl2Si4O10(H2O) is typically white or gray in color, with a shale-like texture. It is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of about 4. It has a weakly perfect cleavage, which means it tends to break along flat planes. The mineral is insoluble in water and acids, and it has a distinctive pleochroism, which is a change in color when the mineral is turned under light.

KAl2Si4O10(H2O) has several common applications. It is often used in ceramic and porcelain production, where it serves as a flux, helping to lower the melting point of other minerals and facilitate the formation of a glassy phase. It is also used in the production of paper, textiles, and rubber. Additionally, KAl2Si4O10(H2O) is an important component of many soils and has a significant role in soil chemistry, influencing the availability of nutrients to plants.

Due to its relatively high abundance in the Earth's crust, KAl2Si4O10(H2O) is often a common mineral in sedimentary rocks, making it an important part of many geological formations.