Abstract: A fire resistant and high temperature insulating composition is provided. The composition generally comprises a carbonate material in an amount from about 20% to about 80% by weight, an aluminosilicate in amount from about 0.5% to about 15% by weight, talc in amount from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, cellulose in amount from about 1% to about 30% by weight, a binder in an amount from about 1% to about 45% by weight, and a gelling agent in an amount from about 1% to about 45% by weight. The binder is preferably a mixture of an organic adhesive such as a polymeric resin, and a non-organic adhesive such as cement, but other adhesives can be used alone or in combination therewith. The gelling agent is preferably a polymeric substance that swells in the presence of a liquid such as superabsorbent polymers. The components are combined and water may be added in an amount from about 1 to about 50% by weight to obtain a composition of the desired consistency.