Pyrophyllite uses

From an environmental perspective, silica-rich pyrophyllite clay may well provide us with a means to clean up much of the pollution in the land, the waterways and possibly in the ocean. When the world s phosphate reserves are nearly depleted, silica-rich pyrophyllite clay is becoming known as the ideal replacement to help clean up the soils from the damage done by phosphate fertilizers, and to restore the soil (and perhaps our bodies) back to their original healthy, organic state. 

Japan and Korea accoimt for 80-85% of the world s annual production of about 2 million metric tons. US pyrophyllite, 3% of the world s total, is all dry groimd and more or less abrasive depending on the particle size distribution of its quartz content. As such, it is generally overlooked in filler applications in favor of kaolin or talc. In the US the ceramics and refractories industries consume about 75% of the pyrophyllite produced. Pesticides take 10% of production, and filler uses (paint, joint cements, mastics) take 3-5%. 

Other uses - In the US the mostly platy nature, low moisture content and inertness of pyrophyllite products qualify them as low-cost alternatives to kaolin and talc for other filler applications that can accommodate higher... 

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