Zeolite microsphere FCC catalysts having a novel morphology comprising a
macroporous matrix and crystallized zeolite freely coating the walls of the pores
of the matrix. The catalysts are formed from microspheres containing a metakaolin
and kaolin calcined through its exotherm, the latter calcined kaolin being derived
from a kaolin having a high pore volume. Kaolin having a high pore volume can be
a pulverized ultrafine kaolin or a kaolin which has been pulverized to have an
incipient slurry point less than 57% solids.