Kaolin compositions comprising coarse kaolin particles are disclosed herein. The kaolin compositions can include kaolin particles having a GE brightness of at least 78 and a particle size distribution wherein at least 50% by weight of the kaolin particles have an equivalent size diameter (e.s.d.) of 30 μm or greater. In some embodiments, the kaolin compositions can include kaolin particles having a bimodal particle distribution. In other embodiments, the kaolin compositions can include kaolin particles having a low crystalline silica content, such as a crystalline silica content of 0.1% by weight or less and a particle size distribution wherein at least 50% by weight of the kaolin particles have an equivalent size diameter (e.s.d.) of 15 μm or greater. In some embodiments, the kaolin particles can be free of crystalline silica. Methods of making and using the kaolin compositions are also disclosed herein.