Sedimentologic zones that are differentiated by changes in lithology, mineralogy, chemical composition, and crystal morphology observable in scanning electron micrographs occur in Missouri high-alumina clay deposits. These properties and changes suggest that the high-alumina materials originated from Pennsylvanian-age, paludal sediments deposited in depressions underlying Paleozoic carbonate rocks. Alumina was relatively enriched in zones of the deposits by leaching of silica and of alkali and alkaline earth metals from the sediments. The most intense leaching occurred on the highest parts of the Ozark Dome.

Diaspore is the predominant high-alumina mineral. Boehmite, although far less abundant than diapsore, may have paragenetically preceded diaspore in some deposits. Chlorite, presumably an Al-rich variety because the content of MgO is typically <0.5%, is also present. Li, which is sporadically present, is inferred to have accumulated in the chlorite which may be a proto-variety of cookeite. Because Li+ and Al3+ are similar in size, Li is inferred to have accompanied Al as a resistate element in contrast to K and Na which were leached from parent phyllosilicates.

The coarse, non-clay fraction of many flint-like kaolinitic claystones often contains mineral grains diagnostic of the claystone's origin and, in the case of tonsteins (altered volcanic ashes), may also provide minerals suitable for radiometric dating. Separation of the non-clay mineral fraction is often difficult because flint clays and flint-like clays resist slaking in water and thus are difficult to disaggregate. Chemical disaggregation of resistant kaolinitic claystones may be achieved by immersion in either hydrazine monohydrate or DMSO for periods ranging from one day to several weeks. Generally, hydrazine monohydrate works more quickly and efficiently than DMSO to disaggregate most kaolinitic claystones and flint clays.

Kaolinite-rich rocks are widespread in Chinese coal-bearing strata. Three main types of deposits are recognized. Those deposits identified as flint clays are several metres thick and show lateral variations in bed composition. The kaolinite is thought to have formed mainly on the adjacent landmass, but some crystallization of gels within the basin is not ruled out. Tonsteins, which formed from the in situ alteration of airfall volcanic ashes, are very common in the coal measures and are up to 0.5 m thick. Finally, kaolinite deposits are described where the development of kaolin is related to weathering of coals either close to or at the present land surface.