Self binding mineral pigments (such as kaolin clay) having a high surface area and particle size in the nano scale range are provided which are useful in paper coating and filling, ink jet coating formulations, paint compositions, and as a filler in rubbers, plastics and polymers. These self binding pigments are manufactured by intensive wet milling of a mineral composition which may optionally be subjected to intensive dry grinding and acid treatment prior to wet milling or an acid treatment following dry grinding and wet milling.
