Question:

Which of the following is a Clay mineral?

Show Hint

Kaolinite is an important clay mineral and is widely used in whiteware and ceramic industries.
  • Quartz
  • Gypsum
  • Kaolinite
  • Feldspar
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Clay minerals are fine-grained hydrous alumino-silicate minerals. They are important raw materials in ceramic bodies because they provide plasticity and help in shaping.

Step 1:
Quartz is a silica mineral. \[ Quartz = SiO_2 \] It is not a clay mineral.

Step 2:
Gypsum is calcium sulphate dihydrate. \[ Gypsum = CaSO_4\cdot 2H_2O \] It is not a clay mineral.

Step 3:
Feldspar is an alumino-silicate mineral of potassium, sodium, or calcium. It is mainly used as a flux in ceramics.

Step 4:
Kaolinite is a true clay mineral. Its formula is commonly written as: \[ Al_2Si_2O_5(OH)_4 \]

Step 5:
Since kaolinite belongs to the clay mineral group, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Kaolinite}} \]
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