Kaolin

Kaolin is a white clay mineral with more than 30 uses. It was first mined in our state in 1856.

The bulk of the nation's kaolin is mined in South Carolina and our neighboring state, Georgia. The Palmetto state is ranked second nationally in the production of sale of kaolin.

The paper manufacturing industry is the greatest user of kaolin. The small clay particles fill in the holes between paper fibers, creating a smooth finish. Quality magazines with gloss paper may contain up to one-third kaolin.

Kaolin is a necessary ingredient in automobile and truck tires, rubber-soled shoes, floor tiles and other items because it provides rigidity. Kaolin is used in paint, brick, fertilizer, medicines and cosmetics. The white clay is also used in plumbing fixtures and other ceramics.

Kaolin deposits are located in a belt that extends from Chesterfield County to Aiken County. The greatest production of kaolin is in Aiken County, where the thickest and purest deposits are located. There are presently 30 active kaolin mines in South Carolina. The value of kaolin extraction exceeds $38 million annually.

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Fuller's Earth

Fuller's earth is a light colored opaline clay-stone first mined in our state in 1907. It played an important role as an absorbent used in the isolation and discovery of Vitamin A.

The most widely known use of fuller's earth is in kitty litter. It also serves as a carrier for some types of pesticides, and is used in floor sweeping compounds. It is used in the manufacture of wallpaper and as a filler for rubber, plastics, paints and putties.

After being heated at high temperatures, fuller's earth has great absorptive capacities for oils, odors, water and other substances.

The clay-stone is able to purify both animal and vegetable oils. Petroleum companies use it to purify oil and lighten its color.

Fuller's earth takes its name from the old fullers (textile workers) who used it to remove grease and oils from cloth. It is presently mined in the Sumter County area of South Carolina.

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Manganese Schist

Manganese schist is a rock that is important to the brick industry in South Carolina. Schist adds body and dimensional stability to brick during drying and firing. The manganese gives the brick a brownish, antique appearance.

Manganese schist mines in our state are located in Cherokee County. There are presently six active manganese schist mines in South Carolina. This rock plays a vital role in our state's $80 million brick industry.

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Sand

The emergence of the new South in the past 20 years has highlighted the value of one of our most important natural resources, Carolina sand. Its main uses are as an aggregate and fill material for the construction industry.

Initially, the basic building sand for concrete and mortar occupied most of the volume. As equipment was developed for processing sand according to particle size and organic content, the unique quality of Carolina sand was quickly recognized.

The size and quality of the deposit has allowed South Carolina to ship specialty sands throughout the Southeast. The glass industry continues to locate plants in South Carolina because of the proximity to its most important ingredient, sand.

The expanded use of Carolina sand in the glass and construction industries was brought about by the mining industry's research and development. Mining techniques and heavy earth moving equipment provide the basis for the more efficient Sand mining operations. As new markets are developed, the economic impact of Carolina sand continues to grow.

Sand is a major ingredient used in the production or asphalt in pavements for roads, parking areas and tennis courts. It is also used in grouting products for the construction industry.

A total of 55 companies produce sand at 98 mines around the state. The estimated annual production value of sand and gravel in the state exceeds $35 million.

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Sericite

Sericite is a white clay mineral that is similar in appearance to the mineral kaolin. Both minerals are important ingredients used by the brick industry.

Some of the sericite produced in South Carolina is electrical grade, and is used in the manufacture of electrical equipment. This mineral competes with wet ground mica, kaolin and fuller's earth is several applications used in the production of paint.

Sericite is used as a paint extender and as a filler in grouting cement. Grouting is used to fill expansion joints in buildings. This mineral is also used in the production of brick, in cosmetics and the manufacture of electrical equipment. Sericite producing mines in South Carolina are located in Kershaw, Lancaster and Cherokee Counties. There are presently six active sericite operations in our state.

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Shale

South Carolina shale is used solely by the brick industry. Shale adds body and dimensional stability to brick during the firing process. This mineral makes the brick drying easier, because it opens the brick structure and allows heat to enter more easily. Some bricks are made of 100% shale.

Shale mining can be found in Cherokee, Greenwood, Lancaster, Chesterfield and Marlboro counties. There are presently 19 active shale mines in our state. Shale plays a vital role in our state's brick industry with an estimated value of $80 million annually.

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Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a mica that expands twenty times its volume when heated. This flaky mineral was first mined in our state in 1937. The name comes from "vermis", the Latin word for worm. Vermiculite is used in construction as loose-fill insulation in concrete, plaster and wallboard. It also has filtering and soundproofing characteristics which are important to the construction industry.

Vermiculite is used for loose fill and masonry fill insulation in homes, businesses and brick kilns. It can be used as a lightweight aggregate in concrete and plaster. The mineral also provides soundproofing for studios used by the radio, television and recording industries.

When mixed with gypsum, vermiculite makes wallboard panels dimensionally stable and fire retardant. The mineral is also used as a filter in purifying oil, as a medium for seed culture and in packing combustible materials. Its benefits as a soil conditioner and planting medium are well known to gardeners.

South Carolina is ranked first nationally in the production and sale of vermiculite. This mineral in mined principally in our state and in Montana. There are 39 active vermiculite mines in South Carolina. Commercial vermiculite deposits occur in a small area in Laurens and Spartanburg counties.

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Limestone

Limestone is a mineral composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. It was first mined in South Carolina in the early 1820's for use in agriculture to neutralize acid soils and increase crop production.

Limestone is found in several different forms. Marl, a soft sedimentary stone, is used in the production of cement. Limestone, a harder rock, is crushed and used for aggregates. Coquina, a pebble form of limestone, is used as a road stone base for highways. Dolomitic limestone, crushed to a granular powder, is applied to farmland to neutralize acid soils and provide magnesium and is used as a filler in fertilizer.

There are presently 18 active limestone mines in South Carolina. This mineral is economically important to our state with an estimated annual production value of $118 million in cement production alone. Commercial limestone bearing formations occur in Orangeburg, Clarendon, Dorchester, Berkely and Horry counties.

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