A B S T R AC TThe synthesis of zeolite 4A from soft kaolin has been studied. Kaolin was converted to metakaolin by fi ring at 550 °C for 2 h, which was then added to NaOH solutions of appropriate concentration. The optimum molar ratios for the main constituents in the starting gel were SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 = 1.7, Na 2 O/SiO 2 = 2.8 and H 2 O/Na 2 O = 61.7. The gels were vigorously stirred at 70 °C for 2 h and aged under the room temperature for 24 h, then stirred again with intermediate speed at 90 °C. After 4 h, the product was centrifugated and washed till pH 10∼11. Examination with XRD, IR and SEM proved that the product was zeolite 4A.