Characterization of Venezuelan kaolins as health care ingredients

Abstract Characterization directed to evaluate health care usefulness of kaolinitic samples from various deposits from the south of Venezuela exploited used as raw materials in ceramics have been done Identity, purity and richness in mineral phases and presence of chemical impurities were compared to pharmaceutical grade kaolins and correlated to international requirements described in pharmacopoeias. Color parameters and textural analysis were used as a complementary characterization of the suitability of the samples as a diluent for pharmaceutical oral dosage forms. Most of the samples would require purification before considering their use as health care ingredients. In particular, treatment to eliminate quartz as a mineral impurity or Pb as metallic impurity would be advisable for some of the studied kaolins. Nevertheless, at least seven of the studied samples could be used directly, as they are comparable to commercial kaolin used as excipients or cosmetic ingredients.