While kaolinite particles are larger than those of other major silicate clays,the surface area of kaolinite per kilogram is much smaller than that of the 2:1 type minerals.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kaolinite particles are indeed larger, but due to their 1:1 layer structure (one tetrahedral sheet linked to one octahedral sheet), they have a much smaller surface area per kilogram compared to 2:1 type minerals (such as montmorillonite), which have one octahedral sheet sandwiched between two tetrahedral sheets, leading to a higher surface area.

While Kaolinite Particles Are Larger Than Those of Other Major