Kaolin [1]
Kaolin
by Jean H. Seaman, 2006
[2]
Kaolin is a fine clay mineral used in ceramics and insulators. The Cherokee Nation was issued a patent in 1744 for the production of porcelain from a mixture of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar. In 1767 Thomas Griffiths [3] had five tons of kaolin dug and transported to England from the Cowee section of modern Macon County [4] for use by the Wedgwood potters in making fine medallions. Systematic mining began in 1888 near Webster in Macon County, and by 1900 North Carolina had become a significant producer with tonnage sent to Trenton, N.J. [5] Kaolin has continued to be an important product of North Carolina mining [6].
References:
J. L. Bundy and P. A. Carpenter, Feldspar Resources of North Carolina, North Carolina Geological Survey Information Circular 20 (1969).
J. C. Olson, Mica Deposits of the Franklin-Sylva District, North Carolina Geological Survey Bulletin no. 49 (1946).
Additional Resources:
Kaolin, New Georgie Encyclopedia: http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1178 [7]
Catalogue of the North Carolina exhibit at the American Exposition at Boston, 1883 [8], North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Digital Collections
Public laws and resolutions of the State of North Carolina passed by the General Assembly at its session of...[1917] [9], North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources Digital Collections
Image Credit:
Kaolin Mine, Harris Clay Co., Near Webster. From Clay Deposits and Clay Industry in North Carolina, by Heinrich Ries, 1897. Available from http://www.wcu.edu/library/DigitalCollections/TravelWNC/1890s/1890dillsboro.html [2] (accessed July 12, 2012).
1 January 2006 | Seaman, Jean H.
