Kaolinite
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Kaolinite is a clay mineral, with the chemical composition Al2Si2O54. It is a layered silicate mineral, with one "tetrahedral" sheet of silicate tetrahedra linked to one "octahedral" sheet of aluminat
Kaolinite from Twiggs County in Georgia in USA
Kaolinite structure, showing the interlayer hydrogen bonds
Kaolin mine in Czech Republic
A kaolin processing plant
Geophagia
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Geophagia, also known as geophagy, is the intentional practice of consuming earth or soil-like substances such as clay, chalk, or termite mounds. It is a behavioural adaptation that occurs in many ani
Kaolinite
…kaolinite can contain very small traces of uranium and thorium. Humans sometimes eat kaolin for pleasure or to suppress hunger, a practice known as geophagy. In Africa, kaolin used for such purposes is known as kalaba (in Gabon and Cameroon), calaba, and calabachop (in Equatorial Guinea). Consumption is…
Parrots eating earth
Five Japanese macaques eating soil
A five-year-old girl in Peru with a desire to eat earth (geophagia). Wood engraving by E. Riou, 1860s.
Several different rocks of clay-like material being sold at a local market in Kabwe, Zambia. These are usually purchased and consumed by pregnant women.