Abstract: A thickening or suspending agent for imparting thixotropic properties to aqueous compositions, particularly LADD formulations, comprises a kaolinite clay admixed to the formulation at a level ranging from about 2% to about 5% by weight. While the thickening or suspending properties of the kaolinite clay are exhibited over a very broad range of particle size products, the kaolinite clay used advantageously has a particle size distribution of at least about 50% of the kaolin particles thereof have a particle size less than 2 microns equivalent spherical diameter, more preferably at least about 80% and, most perferably, at least about 95%. When utilized in a slurry form, the kaolinite clay based thickening or suspending agent most advantageously comprises an aqueous slurry of kaolinite particles at a solids level of at least 65% solids by weight.