2. Aluminium silicate
Alumina, Al2O3, and silica, SiO2, are two most abundant minerals of the
earth crust. The class of minerals containing aluminum oxide and silicon
oxide is called aluminum silicates.
4. Medical Uses
When magnesium aluminum silicate is hydrated it becomes a clay known as kaolin, which is used
for treating ailments such as diarrhea and to combat diaper rash as well as rashes from poison oak
and poison ivy.
When combined with magnesium and hydrated, the result is a clay mixture that sees common use
in antacids as well as a thickener for cosmetics and other beauty products. It also appears as an
inactive ingredient for deodorants.
5. Industrial Uses
The kyanite form of aluminium silicate is used to create mullite for industrial
use, and this compound is used by the ceramics industry as a refractory, as
well as to manufacture electrical insulating materials and heating elements.
The sillimanite form is used in such industries as glass-making, metal smelting
and in iron foundries.