Abstract
Kaolins can satisfy the world demand for filler, paper and ceramic industries. If kaolin thermally activated, it converts to a pozzolan material named metakaolin (MK). MK can be used in traditional paste, mortar and concrete to improve their properties. In addition, MK can be used as a source of cementing materials without Portland cement (PC) named geopolymer. This literature presents an overview of the pervious works carried out on the effect of MK on the fresh properties and mechanical strength of traditional cementitious materials based on PC in which MK was used as cement replacement. In addition, the optimum content of MK which exhibited the highest 28 days compressive strength was reviewed.