The effects of dry grinding on flotation recovery of pyrophyllite were investigated using an alcohol type frother. Before and after dry grinding for several periods, pyrophyllite was examined using DTA-TG, XRD, FTIR analyses and flotation tests. It was concluded that dry grinding for longer times affects the flotation recovery of pyrophyllite, since the crystal structure is distorted by mechanical treatment. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.