Kaolinite is one of the most extensively distributed clay minerals. Little water penetrates the mineral between the layers and therefore has little swelling. This makes it ideal for pottery work, tiling and other fired-clay items.
The Dahlberg Kaoline mine is in T113N R 35 W of Redwood County. It is about 1 mile from the Minnesota River.
The deposits occur below the glacial till in the bedrock.
Con-Agg Kaolin Mine is in T 112N R33W of Brown County. It is adjacent to the Minnesota River and about 15 miles east of the Dahlberg mine. The terrain is steeper and water quickly fills the pits after the Kaolin is removed.
Once the Kaolinite is removed the area needs to be reclaimed. If the pits are not fill in with soil, they quickly fill in with water.
Back to Chapter 2 Clay Minerals