novaculite, microcrystalline novaculite, Arkansas whetstone
location: received from UA Little Rock

use in ceramics: novacite silica is mined and processed in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The product is the powdered form of Novaculite mineral, also known as Arkansas Whetstone because it is a massive white quartz rock used to make whetstones for sharpening knives. It is used as an extender/filler in ceramics, promoting superior leveling, meshing and wear-resistance.

use in paints: novacite silica can be used as a flattening agent in latex paints, reducing the gloss of a paint film.