Disclosed herein is a kaolin composition having nanosize dimensions. At least about 75% of the kaolin particles by weight have an equivalent spherical diameter (esd) of less than about 0.25 .mu.m. The kaolin can also have a particle size distribution wherein at least about 99% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 2 .mu.m, and/or wherein at least about 98% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 1 .mu.m, and/or wherein at least about 97% of the particles by weight have an esd of less than about 0.5 .mu.m. The kaolin can have a mean diameter ranging from about 0.075 .mu.m to about 0.2 .mu.m, and a shape factor of about 30 or less.