Halloysite Clay

Halloysite is a high-value clay. Its fine particle size enables halloysite to be used extensively as a suspension agent in glaze preparations. The purity of the clay and the low iron and titania content result in ceramic ware with exceptional whiteness and translucency. Therefore, halloysite clay is typically used in the manufacture of porcelain, bone china and fine china. A small but increasing amount is also used for high-tech ceramic applications. Other potential applications identified by ALMI include uses in filters, inkjets, and as an ingredient in special paints applied to ships that prevent barnacles from growing on the ships' hulls.

Atlas Mining controls the only known commercial source of halloysite outside of New Zealand: the Dragon Mine site in Juab County, Utah. The Dragon is under a lease purchase agreement with Chester Mining Company. Industry experts from The Phlogiston Company concluded "The grain size and lack of significant impurity make Dragon Mine halloysite superior to products currently on the market." Scanning electron microscope photos and chemical analysis show that the raw material is nearly pure halloysite. Therefore, Atlas should have both geographical and qualitative advantage when serving North American customers.

Ongoing Research

Through contacts with the Montana State University (MSU) TechLink Center, Atlas has learned that the halloysite clay found at the Dragon Mine may soon have a greater number of uses and potential markets than was originally expected.

In a patented process developed by the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C., scientists have created a new method of controlled release using microtubules made from halloysite clay. These microtubules, cylindrical in shape and with a hollow core, can be used in a wide variety of products. In the case of the US Navy, researchers utilized microtubules to add anti-barnacle agents to paints used on the hulls of Navy ships. The microtubules are filled with the anti-fouling agent, which is slowly released over time.

Several U.S. companies are currently looking at microtubules for applications ranging from agricultural chemicals to paints to household products. Although these microtubules can be produced synthetically, researchers have determined that, due to its unique microstructure, halloysite clay may be the preferred source. Halloysite clay is naturally derived, nontoxic and biodegradable.

Click here to view a PowerPoint presentation provided MSU that discusses the potential uses of microtubules and the benefits of using halloysite clay.