This product is a silicate mineral of the kaolinite group, produced throughout China and can be mined all year round, with soil and miscellaneous stones removed.

bubble_chart Morphological Characteristics

This product is in irregular lumps. It is pinkish-white or off-white, sometimes with light red or pale yellow streaks or stripes; the streak is white. It is relatively light in weight and soft in texture, capable of being scratched by a fingernail. The fracture has an earthy luster. It has strong water absorption, sticks to the tongue when licked, and feels free of sandy particles when chewed; it has an earthy smell and a mild taste.

The crystal structure belongs to the triclinic system. Single crystals are rare and extremely small, appearing as flakes that can be seen under an electron microscope as hexagonal, triangular, or truncated triangular shapes. Aggregates form loose scaly, earthy, or dense massive forms, occasionally stalactitic. Pure specimens are white, but can be tinged with light yellow, light gray, light red, light green, or light brown if mixed with impurities such as iron or manganese. The streak is white or grayish-white. Dense masses are either non-lustrous or have a waxy luster, while thin scales may exhibit a pearly luster. The hardness ranges from 1 to 3, and the relative density is between 2.61 and 2.8. It has a greasy feel, an earthy odor, sticks to the tongue when wet, and is highly plastic but does not expand.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Sweet and sour neutral. Act on lung, stomach and large intestine meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Astringent to the intestines, stops bleeding.

bubble_chart Indications

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

For internal use: decoct in water, 6-12g; or take in pill or powder form. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, grind into powder and mix for topical application.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

Contraindicated for those with dampness-heat retention of food.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

The basic components are derived from feldspar, which often contains weathered residual particles of feldspar and quartz.