This study investigate the influence of kaolinite, introduced in electrolytes solutions, on the calcareous deposit formation, which is monitored by chronoamperometric measurements coupled with chemical impedance spectroscopy analyses. The deposits formed are observed by scanning electron microscopy and analysed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses. In presence of Mg2+ ions, kaolinite delay the deposit formation, preventing the reduction of energy required for an efficient cathodic protection. Whereas no influence of this clay was noticed on the CaCO3 deposit when the electrolyte was totally exempt of Mg2+. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.