PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
-------------------------------------
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 26, 1998)


                                  $150,000,000

                              ENGELHARD CORPORATION

                              4.25% NOTES DUE 2013

                                   ----------

      We will pay  interest on the Notes on May 15 and November 15 of each year,
beginning  November  15,  2003.  The Notes  will  mature on May 15,  2013.  This
prospectus  supplement  and  the  accompanying   prospectus  contain  additional
information  regarding the terms and conditions of the Notes. We may redeem some
or all of the  Notes  at  any  time  at  redemption  prices  described  in  this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

      The  Notes  will be  unsecured  obligations  and  rank  equally  with  our
unsecured senior indebtedness.  The Notes will be issued only in registered form
in denominations of $1,000.
                                   ----------

                                                       Per Note       Total
                                                       --------   ------------
      Public offering price (1) .....................   99.211%   $148,816,500
      Underwriting discount .........................      .65%   $    975,000
      Proceeds, before expenses, to Engelhard (1) ...   98.561%   $147,841,500
                                                        ------    ------------

      (1)   Plus accrued interest from May 13, 2003, if settlement  occurs after
that date

      Neither the  Securities and Exchange  Commission nor any state  securities
regulators has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus  supplement or the  accompanying  prospectus is truthful or complete.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

      The Notes will be ready for delivery in  book-entry  form only through The
Depository Trust Company on or about May 13, 2003.

                                   ----------

                           JOINT BOOK-RUNNING MANAGERS


JPMORGAN                                                     MERRILL LYNCH & CO.

ABN AMRO INCORPORATED
             BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
                         BANC ONE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
                                    CITIGROUP

                                   ----------

             The date of this prospectus supplement is May 8, 2003.



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                              PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
Engelhard Corporation ...................................................... S-3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges ......................................... S-3
Use of Proceeds ............................................................ S-3
Description of Notes ....................................................... S-4
Underwriting ............................................................... S-6
Legal Matters .............................................................. S-7

                                   PROSPECTUS

Available Information ......................................................   2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference ............................   2
The Company ................................................................   2
Use of Proceeds ............................................................   3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges .........................................   3
Description of Securities ..................................................   4
Description of Capital Stock ...............................................  10
Plan of Distribution .......................................................  12
Legal Matters ..............................................................  13
Experts ....................................................................  13

                                   ----------

      You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
in its entirety.  It contains  information  you should consider when making your
investment  decision.  You  should  rely only on the  information  contained  or
incorporated  by reference in this  prospectus  supplement and the  accompanying
prospectus.  We have not, and the  underwriters  have not,  authorized any other
person to provide you with different  information.  If anyone  provides you with
different or  inconsistent  information,  you should not rely on it. We are not,
and the  underwriters  are not, making an offer to sell these  securities in any
jurisdiction except where the offer or sale is permitted.  You should not assume
that the  information  contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than
the  date on the  front  cover  of  these  documents.  Our  business,  financial
condition,  results  of  operation  and  prospects  may have  changed  since the
applicable date. In this prospectus,  "Engelhard," "we," "our" and "us" refer to
Engelhard Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

      No  dealer,  salesperson  or  other  person  is  authorized  to  give  any
information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus supplement
and  the  accompanying  prospectus.  You  must  not  rely  on  any  unauthorized
information or representations.  This prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus is an offer to sell only the Notes offered hereby, but only under the
circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.

                                      S-2



                              ENGELHARD CORPORATION

      Engelhard  Corporation  is a surface and  materials  science  company that
develops technologies to improve customers' products and processes.  We develop,
manufacture  and market  technology-based  performance  products and  engineered
materials  for a wide  spectrum  of  industrial  customers.  We also  serve  our
technology segments,  our customers and others with precious and base metals and
related services.  Our businesses are organized into four reportable segments --
Environmental  Technologies,  Process  Technologies,  Appearance and Performance
Technologies and Materials Services.

      The Environmental  Technologies segment markets cost-effective  compliance
with  environmental   regulations  enabled  by  sophisticated   emission-control
technologies and systems.  Environmental catalysts are used in applications such
as the  abatement  of  carbon  monoxide,  oxides  of  nitrogen  and  hydrocarbon
emissions from gasoline,  diesel and alternate-fueled  vehicles. These catalysts
also are used to remove odors, fumes and pollutants associated with a variety of
process  industries,  co-generation and gas-turbine power generation,  household
appliances and lawn and garden power tools.

      The Process Technologies segment enables customers to make their processes
more productive,  efficient,  environmentally sound and safer through the supply
of  advanced  chemical-process   catalysts,   additives  and  sorbents.  Process
Technologies'  chemical-process  catalysts  are  used  in the  manufacture  of a
variety  of  products  and  intermediates   made  by  chemical,   petrochemical,
pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical producers.  In addition,  they are used
in the  production of  polypropylene  which is used in a wide range of products,
including food packaging,  carpets,  toys and automobile  bumpers.  Sorbents are
used to  purify  and  decolorize  naturally  occurring  fats  and  oils  for the
manufacture of shortenings, margarines and cooking oils. Petroleum catalysts and
additives are used by refiners to provide economies in petroleum  processing and
to meet increasingly stringent fuel-quality requirements. The segment's catalyst
products   are   based   on   our   proprietary   technology   and   often   are
application-specific.

      The Appearance and Performance  Technologies  segment  provides  pigments,
effect  materials and performance  additives that enable its customers to market
enhanced image and functionality in their products.  This segment serves a broad
array of end markets including coatings, plastics,  cosmetics,  construction and
paper. This segment's products help customers improve the look,  performance and
overall cost of their products.  This segment is also the internal supply source
of precursors for some of our advanced refining-process catalysts.

      The  Materials  Services  segment  serves  our  technology  segments,  our
customers and others with precious and base metals and related services. This is
a distribution and materials services business that purchases and sells precious
metals,  base  metals and  related  products  and  services.  It does so under a
variety of pricing and delivery arrangements  structured to meet the logistical,
financial and price-risk management requirements of Engelhard, our customers and
suppliers.  Additionally,  it offers  the  related  services  of  precious-metal
refining and storage and produces salts and solutions.


                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

      The following  table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
Engelhard for the periods indicated.  In the calculation of Engelhard's ratio of
earnings  to  fixed  charges,  "earnings"  consist  of  income  from  continuing
operations  before  income  taxes  and  fixed  charges  (excluding   capitalized
interest)  and  "fixed  charges"  consist of  interest  expense,  including  the
interest portion of rental  obligations  deemed  representative  of the interest
factor.

      THREE MONTHS ENDED                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
      ------------------          ----------------------------------------
        MARCH 31, 2003            2002     2001     2000     1999     1998
      ------------------          ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
             8.23                 6.30     5.72     3.86     4.39     4.79


                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

      The  net  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  the  Notes  are  estimated  to be
$147,841,500.  We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering of the Notes
for  general  corporate   purposes  and  to  repay  other   indebtedness.   Such
indebtedness  consists of commercial  paper  borrowings,  which bear interest at
rates based on LIBOR.

                                      S-3



                              DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

      The following  description  of the  particular  terms of the Notes offered
hereby supplements and, to the extent inconsistent  therewith,  supersedes,  the
description of the general terms and provisions of the Securities (as defined in
the  accompanying  prospectus)  set forth  under  the  heading  "Description  of
Securities" in the accompanying  prospectus,  to which description  reference is
hereby made.  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same
meanings assigned to such terms in the accompanying prospectus.

GENERAL

      The Notes  offered  hereby will be unsecured  general  obligations  of the
Company and will  constitute a series of Debt  Securities to be issued under the
Senior  Indenture  referred to in the  accompanying  prospectus.  The Notes will
initially  be issued in an  aggregate  principal  amount of $150  million,  will
mature on May 15, 2013,  and will not be subject to any sinking fund.  The Notes
will  bear  interest  at the rate per annum  stated  on the  cover  page of this
prospectus supplement from May 13, 2003 or from the most recent Interest Payment
Date to which interest has been paid or provided for,  payable  semi-annually in
arrears on May 15 and  November  15 of each year  (each,  an  "Interest  Payment
Date"),  commencing November 15, 2003, to the Person in whose name the Notes are
registered at the close of business on the preceding May 1 or November 1, as the
case may be (each,  a  "Regular  Record  Date").  Interest  on the Notes will be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day  months.  The Notes are
to be issued only in registered form without coupons in  denominations of $1,000
and integral multiples thereof.

      Any  payment  otherwise  required  to be made in respect of the Notes on a
date that is not a business day may be made on the next succeeding  business day
with  the  same  force  and  effect  as if made on the  original  due  date.  No
additional interest will accrue as a result of a delayed payment in this case. A
business day is defined in the indenture as a day other than a Saturday,  Sunday
or other day on which banking  institutions  in New York City are  authorized or
required by law to close.

FURTHER ISSUES

      We may from time to time,  without  notice  to,  or the  consent  of,  the
registered holders of the Notes, create and issue further notes equal in rank to
the Notes  offered by this  prospectus  supplement  in all  respects  (or in all
respects except for the payment of interest  accruing prior to the issue date of
the  further  notes or except for the first  payment of interest  following  the
issue date of the further notes).  These further notes may be  consolidated  and
form a single  series  with the Notes and will have the same terms as to status,
redemption or otherwise as the Notes.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION

      The Notes will be  redeemable,  in whole or in part,  at our option at any
time from time to time at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

      o  100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed, and

      o  the sum of the present  values of the remaining  scheduled  payments of
         principal and interest on the Notes being  redeemed (not  including any
         portion of any  payments of interest  accrued to the  redemption  date)
         discounted to the redemption  date on a semi-annual  basis  (assuming a
         360-day year  consisting of twelve 30-day  months) at the Treasury Rate
         (as defined below) plus 20 basis points

plus, in each case,  accrued and unpaid  interest on the Notes to the redemption
date.

      For purposes of these redemption provisions,  the following terms have the
following meanings:

      "Comparable  Treasury  Issue" means the United  States  Treasury  security
selected by the Reference Treasury Dealer as having a maturity comparable to the
remaining  term of the Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized,  at the time
of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new
issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term
of those Notes.

      "Comparable  Treasury Price" means,  with respect to any redemption  date,
(i) the average of the Reference  Treasury Dealer  Quotations for the redemption
date,  after  excluding  the  highest  and  lowest  Reference   Treasury  Dealer
Quotations,  or (ii) if the trustee  obtains fewer than four Reference  Treasury
Dealer Quotations, the average of all Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations.

                                      S-4



      "Reference  Treasury Dealer" means J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (or their respective affiliates which
are  Primary  Treasury  Dealers  (as  defined  below)),   and  their  respective
successors and two additional  Primary  Treasury  Dealers selected by Engelhard,
provided,  however,  that if any of the  foregoing  cease to be a  primary  U.S.
Government  securities  dealer in New York City (a "Primary  Treasury  Dealer"),
Engelhard will substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer.

      "Reference  Treasury  Dealer  Quotations"  means,  with  respect  to  each
Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by
the  trustee,  of the bid and asked  prices for the  Comparable  Treasury  Issue
(expressed  in each case as a  percentage  of its  principal  amount)  quoted in
writing to the trustee by that Reference  Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the third business day preceding that redemption date.

      "Treasury Rate" means,  with respect to any redemption  date, the rate per
annum equal to the  semi-annual  equivalent  yield to maturity of the Comparable
Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as
a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for
that redemption date. The Treasury Rate will be calculated on the third business
day preceding the redemption date.

      Holders of Notes to be redeemed will receive notice by first-class mail at
least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the date of redemption.  If fewer
than all of the Notes are to be redeemed,  DTC, in the case of Notes represented
by a global security,  or the trustee,  will select, not more than 60 days prior
to the redemption  date, the particular Notes or portions thereof for redemption
from the  outstanding  Notes not previously  called by such method as DTC or the
trustee,  as the case may be, deems fair and  appropriate.  Unless we default in
payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption,  interest,
will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

GLOBAL SECURITIES

      The Notes  initially  will be issued as Global  Securities and will not be
available in certificated form except in limited circumstances. See "Description
of Securities--Global  Securities" in the accompanying prospectus for additional
information  concerning the Notes, the Indenture and the book-entry  system. The
Depository  Trust  Company  ("DTC")  will be the  Depositary  (as defined in the
accompanying prospectus) with respect to the Notes.

SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT

      Settlement for the Notes will be made by the  underwriters  in immediately
available funds. All payments of principal,  premium,  if any, and interest will
be made by the Company in immediately  available  funds to the Depositary in The
City of New York. The Notes will trade in the DTC's  Same-Day  Funds  Settlement
System until maturity or earlier  redemption,  as the case may be, and secondary
market  trading  activity  in the Notes  will  therefore  settle in  immediately
available funds.

                                      S-5



                                  UNDERWRITING

      We intend  to offer  the  Notes  through  the  underwriters.  J.P.  Morgan
Securities Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &Smith Incorporated are acting
as  representatives  of the underwriters  named below.  Subject to the terms and
conditions  contained in our  Underwriting  Agreement  Basic  Provisions and the
Terms  Agreement,  dated  the  date  hereof  (collectively,   the  "Underwriting
Agreement"),  we have agreed to sell to the  underwriters  and the  underwriters
severally  have agreed to purchase  from us, the  principal  amount of the Notes
listed opposite their names below.

                                                               Principal
                         Underwriter                             Amount
                        ------------                          ------------
      J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ..........................  $ 48,750,000
      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                  Incorporated .............................    48,750,000
      ABN AMRO Incorporated ................................    13,125,000
      Banc of America Securities LLC .......................    13,125,000
      Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. .......................    13,125,000
      Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ........................    13,125,000
                                                              ------------
                      Total ................................  $150,000,000
                                                              ============

      The underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the Notes sold pursuant to
the  Underwriting  Agreement  if  any  of  these  Notes  are  purchased.  If  an
underwriter  defaults,  the  Underwriting  Agreement  provides that the purchase
commitments  of  the   nondefaulting   underwriters  may  be  increased  or  the
Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.

      We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters  against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the
underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

      The underwriters  are offering the Notes,  subject to prior sale, when, as
and if issued to and accepted by them,  subject to approval of legal  matters by
their  counsel,  including  the  validity  of the  Notes,  and other  conditions
contained in the Underwriting Agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters
of officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right
to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole
or in part.

COMMISSIONS AND DISCOUNTS

      The underwriters  have advised us that they propose initially to offer the
Notes to the  public at the  public  offering  price on the  cover  page of this
prospectus,  and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of .4%
of the  principal  amount of the Notes.  The  underwriters  may  allow,  and the
dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of .25% of the principal amount of
the Notes to other  dealers.  After the  initial  public  offering,  the  public
offering price, concession and discount may be changed.

      The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are
estimated to be $200,000 and are payable by us.

NEW ISSUE OF NOTES

      The  Notes  are a new  issue of  securities  with no  established  trading
market.  We do not  intend to apply  for  listing  of the Notes on any  national
securities  exchange  or for  quotation  of the  Notes on any  automated  dealer
quotation  system.  We have been advised by the underwriters that they presently
intend to make a market in the Notes after completion of the offering.  However,
they are under no  obligation  to do so and may  discontinue  any  market-making
activities at any time without any notice. We cannot assure the liquidity of the
trading  market for the Notes or that an active public market for the Notes will
develop. If an active public trading market for the Notes does not develop,  the
market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected.

      J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ("JPMorgan") will make the Notes available for
distribution on the Internet through a proprietary Web site and/or a third party
system  operated  by  Market  Axess  Inc.,  an   Internet-based   communications
technology provider.  Market Axess Inc. is providing the system as a conduit for
communications  between  JPMorgan  and its  customers  and is not a party to any
transactions.  Market  Axess Inc.,  a  registered  broker-dealer,  will  receive
compensation  from JPMorgan based on transactions  JPMorgan conducts through the
system.  JPMorgan  will make the Notes  available to its  customers  through the
Internet  distributions,  whether  made  through a  proprietary  or  third-party
system, on the same terms as distributions made through other channels.

                                      S-6



PRICE STABILIZATION AND SHORT POSITIONS

      In connection with the offering,  the underwriters are permitted to engage
in transactions  that stabilize the market price of the Notes. Such transactions
consist of bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain the price of the Notes.  If
the  underwriters  create a short  position in the Notes in connection  with the
offering,  i.e.,  if they sell  more  Notes  than are on the cover  page of this
prospectus,  the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing Notes
in the open market.  Purchases of a security to stabilize the price or to reduce
a short  position  could  cause the price of the  security  to be higher than it
might be in the absence of such purchases.

      Neither  we nor  any of  the  underwriters  makes  any  representation  or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the  transactions
described above may have on the price of the Notes. In addition,  neither we nor
any of the underwriters  makes any  representation  that the  underwriters  will
engage in these transactions or that these  transactions,  once commenced,  will
not be discontinued without notice.

OTHER RELATIONSHIPS

      Some of the  underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in
the future engage in,  investment  banking and other commercial  dealings in the
ordinary  course of business  with us.  They have  received  customary  fees and
commissions  for these  transactions.  The trustee,  JPMorgan  Chase Bank, is an
affiliate of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.


                                  LEGAL MATTERS

      Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP of New York,  New York,  will issue an opinion
with respect to certain legal matters in connection with the Notes for Engelhard
Corporation.  Cravath,  Swaine & Moore  LLP of New  York,  New York  will act as
counsel for the underwriters.

                                      S-7




                                  $300,000,000


                              ENGELHARD CORPORATION


                                 DEBT SECURITIES


                                   ----------


      Engelhard Corporation  ("Engelhard" or the "Company") may offer, from time
to time,  in one or more  series,  its  unsecured  senior debt  securities  (the
"Senior Debt  Securities") and its unsecured  subordinated  debt securities (the
"Subordinated  Debt Securities"  and,  together with the Senior Debt Securities,
the "Debt Securities").  The Debt Securities may be redeemable for, exchangeable
or convertible  into shares of Common Stock,  par value $1.00 per share ("Common
Stock"), and, to the extent applicable, references herein to the Debt Securities
also  include a reference  to Common Stock  issuable  upon any such  redemption,
conversion  or  exchange.  The Debt  Securities  will have a  maximum  aggregate
offering price of $300,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in one or more foreign
or composite currencies) and will be offered on terms to be determined by market
conditions at the time of sale. The Debt Securities may be offered separately or
together,  in separate  series,  in amounts and at prices and on terms to be set
forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement (a "Prospectus  Supplement").  In
addition,  the specific terms of the Debt  Securities with respect to which this
Prospectus is being  delivered,  and whether such Debt Securities will be listed
on a  national  securities  exchange,  will  be  set  forth  in an  accompanying
Prospectus Supplement.

      The Senior Debt Securities,  if issued, will rank equally and ratably with
all other  unsecured and  unsubordinated  indebtedness  of the Company,  and the
Subordinated Debt Securities,  if issued,  will be unsecured and subordinated to
all present and future  Senior  Indebtedness  (as defined) of the  Company.  See
"Description of Securities."


                                   ----------


  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
       EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
           SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
               COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
                   THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
                         CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


                                   ----------


      The Debt Securities may be sold directly, through agents from time to time
or  through  underwriters  and/or  dealers.  If any agent of the  Company or any
underwriter  is  involved in the sale of the Debt  Securities,  the name of such
agent or underwriter and any applicable commission or discount will be set forth
in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution."


                                   ----------


                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS AUGUST 26, 1998.




      No dealer,  salesman,  or any other person has been authorized to give any
information  or to make  any  representations  other  than  those  contained  or
incorporated  by  reference  in this  Prospectus  and,  if given  or made,  such
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized
by the Company or any underwriter,  dealer,  or agent.  This Prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy Debt Securities
by  anyone  in any  jurisdiction  in  which  the  offer or  solicitation  is not
authorized  or in which  the  person  making  the offer or  solicitation  is not
qualified  to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make the offer or
solicitation.

                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

      The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended  (the  "Exchange  Act"),  and in  accordance
therewith files reports and other  information  with the Securities and Exchange
Commission  (the  "Commission")  relating to its business,  financial  position,
results of operations and other matters.  Such reports and other information can
be  inspected  and  copied at the Public  Reference  Section  maintained  by the
Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. 20549
and at its Regional Offices located at Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street,
Chicago,  Illinois 60661,  and 7 World Trade Center,  15th Floor,  New York, New
York  10048.  Copies  of such  material  can also be  obtained  from the  Public
Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the New
York Stock  Exchange  and such  material  can also be inspected at the office of
such exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

      The Company has filed with the  Commission a  registration  statement (the
"Registration  Statement")  under the Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  with
respect to the Debt Securities covered by this Prospectus.  This Prospectus does
not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain
parts of which are omitted in accordance  with the rules and  regulations of the
Commission.  Reference is made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits
relating  thereto for further  information  with  respect to the Company and the
Debt Securities covered by this Prospectus.

                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

      The Company hereby  incorporates by reference  herein its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1997 and its Quarterly  Report
on Form 10-Q for the  quarters  ended  March  31,  1998 and June 30,  1998.  All
documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and before the termination of
the  offering of the  securities  offered  hereby  shall be deemed  incorporated
herein by reference, and such documents shall be deemed to be a part hereof from
the date of  filing  such  documents.  Any  statement  contained  herein or in a
document  incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to be modified or  superseded  for  purposes  of this  Prospectus  to the
extent  that a statement  contained  herein or in any other  subsequently  filed
document  which  also is or is deemed to be  incorporated  by  reference  herein
modifies  or  supersedes  such  statement.  Any such  statement  so  modified or
superseded  shall  not be  deemed,  except  as so  modified  or  superseded,  to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.

      The  Company  will  provide  without  charge  to each  person to whom this
Prospectus  is delivered,  on the written or oral request of any such person,  a
copy of any or all of the  above  documents  incorporated  herein  by  reference
(other than exhibits to such  documents,  unless such exhibits are  specifically
incorporated   by   reference   into  such   documents   that  this   Prospectus
incorporates).  Written  or  oral  requests  should  be  directed  to:  Investor
Relations,  Engelhard Corporation, 101 Wood Avenue, Iselin N.J. 08830, telephone
number (732) 205-6000.

                                   THE COMPANY

      Engelhard develops,  manufactures and markets  technology-based  specialty
performance  products and engineered materials for a wide spectrum of industrial
customers,  and  provides  services to precious  and base metals  customers  and
markets energy-related  services. The Company operates on a worldwide basis with
corporate and operating headquarters and principal manufacturing  facilities and
mineral  reserves in the United  States with other  operations  conducted in the
European Community, the Russian Federation and the Asia-Pacific region and South
America.

      The Company's  businesses  are organized  into three segments -- Catalysts
and Chemicals,  Pigments and Additives,  and Engineered Materials and Industrial
Commodities Management.

                                       2



      The Catalysts and Chemicals  segment  comprises  three  principal  product
groups: the Environmental  Technologies Group, consisting of Automotive Emission
Systems,  Heavy Duty Power  Systems and Process  Emission  Systems,  serving the
automotive,  off-road  vehicle,  light and heavy  duty  truck,  aircraft,  power
generation and process industries;  the Petroleum  Catalysts Group,  serving the
petroleum refining  industries;  and the Chemical  Catalysts Group,  serving the
chemical,   petrochemical,   pharmaceutical  and  food  processing   industries.
Environmental  technology  catalysts  are  used  in  applications  such  as  the
abatement of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons from gasoline,
diesel and alternate  fueled  vehicle  exhaust  gases to meet  emission  control
standards.  These  catalysts  are also used for the removal of odors,  fumes and
pollutants  generated  by a variety  of  process  industries  including  but not
limited to the painting of automobiles, appliances and other equipment; printing
processes;  the manufacture of nitric acid and tires, in the curing of polymers;
and power generation  sources.  The petroleum refining catalyst products consist
of a variety of catalysts and processes used in the petroleum refining industry.
The principal  products are zeolitic fluid cracking  catalysts  which are widely
used to provide  economies  in  petroleum  processing.  The  chemical  catalysts
products  consist of catalysts and sorbents used in the  production of a variety
of  products  or  intermediates,   including   synthetic   fibers,   fragrances,
antibiotics,  vitamins,  polymers,  plastics,  detergents,  fuels and lube oils,
solvents, oleochemicals and edible products.

      The Pigments and Additives  segment is comprised of  performance  products
based on kaolin and used as coating and extender pigments for the paper industry
and mineral based performance additives products.  The segment's pearlescent and
color specialty pigments and additives businesses serve the plastics,  coatings,
paint,  ink,  cosmetics,  packaging,  and  allied  industries  in a  variety  of
applications.  The segment also supplies  iridescent films used in an assortment
of creative,  decorative,  packaging and security  applications.  Minerals based
performance  additives  products are used principally as extender pigments for a
variety of  purposes  in the  manufacture  of  plastic,  rubber,  ink,  ceramic,
adhesive  products and in paint.  The segment also produces a variety of organic
and inorganic  color and pearlescent and natural pearl pigments for a wide range
of applications.

      The Engineered  Materials and Industrial  Commodities  Management  segment
includes the Engineered  Materials Group, serving a broad spectrum of industries
and the  Industrial  Commodities  Management  Group,  which is  responsible  for
precious and base metals  sourcing  and  dealing,  for managing the precious and
base metals requirements of the Company,  and for power marketing.  The products
of the  Engineered  Materials  Group consist of performance  products  primarily
employing metal-based materials such as  temperature-sensing  devices,  precious
metals coating and electroplating  materials,  conductive pastes and powders and
brazing alloys. The Industrial  Commodities  Management Group is responsible for
procuring  precious and base metals to meet the  requirements  of the  Company's
operations and its customers.  The Industrial  Commodities Management Group also
engages  in  precious  and  base  metals  dealing   operations  with  industrial
consumers,  dealers, central banks, miners and refiners. It also participates in
refining of precious metals and marketing of energy-related services.

      Engelhard  was formed  under the laws of Delaware in 1938.  The  Company's
address is 101 Wood Avenue,  Iselin,  New Jersey 08830, and its telephone number
is (732) 205-6000. Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires,
all references to  "Engelhard" or the "Company"  herein shall be deemed to refer
to Engelhard Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

      Except as otherwise described in the accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement,
the net  proceeds  from  the  sale of the  Debt  Securities  will be used by the
Company for general  corporate  purposes,  which may  include the  reduction  of
outstanding  indebtedness,  working capital increases,  capital expenditures and
acquisitions.

                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

      The following  table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
the Company for the periods indicated. In the calculation of the Company's ratio
of  earnings to fixed  charges,  "earnings"  consist of income  from  continuing
operations  before  income  taxes  and  fixed  charges  (excluding   capitalized
interest)  and  "fixed  charges"  consist of  interest  expense,  including  the
interest portion of rental  obligations  deemed  representative  of the interest
factor.

      SIX MONTHS ENDED                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
      ----------------       --------------------------------------------
        JUNE 30, 1998         1997       1996     1995     1994     1993
      ----------------       ------      ----     ----     ----     -----
            5.28             3.36(a)     5.35     6.09     6.86      (b)

                                       3



(a)   Earnings in 1997 were negatively  impacted by special and other changes of
      $149.6 million for a variety of events. Without such charges, the ratio of
      earnings to fixed charges would have been 5.94.

(b)   Earnings in 1993 were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $5.6 million.
      Earnings  in 1993 were  negatively  impacted  by a special  charge of $148
      million  for  the   realignment  and   consolidation   of  businesses  and
      environmental matters. Without such charge, the ratio of earnings to fixed
      charges would have been 8.83.

                            DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

      Senior  Debt  Securities  may be  issued  from time to time in one or more
series under an indenture (the "Senior Indenture"),  between the Company and The
Chase Manhattan Bank (the "Senior Trustee"). The Senior Indenture has been filed
as an exhibit to the Registration  Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
Subordinated  Debt  Securities  may be  issued  from time to time in one or more
series under an indenture (the "Subordinated Indenture") between the Company and
a  trustee  to be  identified  in  the  applicable  Prospectus  Supplement  (the
"Subordinated Trustee"). The Subordinated Indenture has been filed as an exhibit
to the  Registration  Statement of which this  Prospectus is a part.  The Senior
Indenture and the Subordinated  Indenture are sometimes referred to collectively
as the  "Indentures,"  and the Senior Trustee and the  Subordinated  Trustee are
sometimes  referred to collectively as the "Trustees." The statements under this
caption are brief summaries of certain  provisions  contained in the Indentures,
do not purport to be complete and are  qualified in their  entirety by reference
to the Indentures, including the definitions therein of certain terms, copies of
which are included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the  Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.  Capitalized terms used herein and
not defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the relevant  Indenture.
The particular terms of the Debt Securities and any variations from such general
provisions  applicable to any series of Debt Securities will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement with respect to such series.

GENERAL

      Each Indenture provides for the issuance of Debt Securities in one or more
series with the same or various  maturities  at par or at a  discount.  Any Debt
Securities  bearing  no  interest  or  interest  at a rate  which at the time of
issuance  is  below  market  rates  will  be sold at a  discount  (which  may be
substantial) from their stated principal amount. Federal income tax consequences
and  other  special  considerations  applicable  to  any  such  discounted  Debt
Securities  ("Discounted  Securities")  will  be  described  in  the  Prospectus
Supplement  relating  thereto.  Neither  Indenture  limits  the  amount  of Debt
Securities  that can be issued  thereunder.  Reference is made to the Prospectus
Supplement  for the  following  terms,  if  applicable,  of the Debt  Securities
offered thereby:  (1) the designation,  aggregate principal amount,  currency or
composite  currency  and  denominations;  (2)  the  price  at  which  such  Debt
Securities  will be issued;  (3) any index,  formula  or other  method  used for
determining amounts of principal or interest payable on the Debt Securities; (4)
the maturity date and other dates,  if any, on which  principal will be payable;
(5) the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable), if any, and the
date or dates from which  interest  will  accrue and on which  interest  will be
payable,  and the record  dates for the payment of  interest;  (6) the manner of
paying  principal  or  interest;  (7) the place or places  where  principal  and
interest will be payable;  (8) the terms of any mandatory or optional redemption
by the Company;  (9) the terms of any  repayment at the option of holders;  (10)
whether such Debt Securities are to be issuable as registered  Debt  Securities,
bearer Debt Securities, or both, and whether and upon what terms registered Debt
Securities  may be exchanged  for bearer Debt  Securities  and vice versa;  (11)
whether such Debt Securities are to be represented in whole or in part by a Debt
Security  in  global  form  and,   if  so,  the   identity  of  the   depositary
("Depositary") for any global Debt Security;  (12) any tax indemnity provisions;
(13) if the Debt  Securities  provide that payments of principal or interest may
be made in a currency other than that in which Debt Securities are  denominated,
the manner for determining such payments;  (14) the portion of principal payable
upon  acceleration  of a Discounted  Security;  (15) whether and upon what terms
Debt  Securities  may be  defeased,  (16) any events of  default or  restrictive
covenants  in  addition  to or in lieu of  those  set  forth  in the  applicable
Indenture;  (17)  provisions for electronic  issuance of Debt  Securities or for
Debt Securities in  uncertificated  form; (18) the terms, if any, upon which the
Debt Securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock of the
Company; and (19) any additional provisions or other terms not inconsistent with
the  provisions  of the  applicable  Indenture,  including any terms that may be
required  or  advisable  under  United  States  or  other   applicable  laws  or
regulations  or  advisable  in  connection   with  the  marketing  of  the  Debt
Securities.

                                       4



RANKING OF DEBT SECURITIES

       The Senior Debt  Securities  will be unsecured  and will rank equally and
ratably  with  other  unsecured  and  unsubordinated  debt of the  Company.  The
Subordinated  Debt  Securities  will be  subordinate  in right of payment to all
Senior  Indebtedness  of the Company.  "Senior  Indebtedness"  of the Company is
defined to mean the principal of (and  premium,  if any) and interest on (a) any
and all indebtedness and obligations of the Company  (including  indebtedness of
others  guaranteed  by the  Company),  whether  or not  contingent  and  whether
outstanding  on the date of the  Subordinated  Indenture or thereafter  created,
incurred or assumed, which (i) are for money borrowed; (ii) are evidenced by any
bond, note, debenture or similar instrument;  (iii) represent the unpaid balance
on the purchase price of any property,  business, or asset of any kind; (iv) are
obligations  of the  Company  as lessee  under any and all  leases of  property,
equipment or other assets required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the
lessee under generally  accepted  accounting  principles;  (v) are reimbursement
obligations  of the  Company  with  respect to  letters  of credit;  and (b) any
deferrals, amendments, renewals, extensions, modifications and refundings of any
indebtedness or obligations of the types referred to above; provided that Senior
Indebtedness  shall not  include  (i)  Subordinated  Debt  Securities;  (ii) any
indebtedness  or  obligation of the Company  which,  by its express terms or the
express terms of the  instrument  creating or evidencing  it, is not superior in
right of payment to the Subordinated Debt Securities;  or (iii) any indebtedness
or obligation incurred by the Company in connection with the purchase of assets,
materials or services in the ordinary course of business and which constitutes a
trade payable. The Subordinated Indenture does not contain any limitation on the
amount of Senior Indebtedness which may be hereafter incurred by the Company. In
the event of any default in the payment of the principal of, or interest on, any
Senior  Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of at least $50,000,000 or
any default  permitting the acceleration of Senior  Indebtedness in an aggregate
amount of at least  $50,000,000  where  notice of such default has been given to
the  Company,  no payment  with  respect to the  principal of or interest on the
Subordinated  Debt  Securities will be made by the Company unless and until such
default  has been  cured or waived.  Upon any  payment  or  distribution  of the
Company's  assets to creditors of the Company in a liquidation or dissolution of
the Company,  or in a reorganization,  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  receivership or
similar proceeding relating to the Company or its property, whether voluntary or
involuntary,  the  holders  of Senior  Indebtedness  will first be  entitled  to
receive  payment in full of all amounts  due  thereon  before the holders of the
Subordinated  Debt  Securities  will be entitled to receive any payment upon the
principal  of  or  premium,  if  any,  or  interest  on  the  Subordinated  Debt
Securities.  By reason of such subordination,  in the event of insolvency of the
Company,  holders  of Senior  Indebtedness  of the  Company  may  receive  more,
ratably,  and holders of the  Subordinated  Debt  Securities  may receive  less,
ratably,  than the other creditors of the Company.  Such  subordination will not
prevent the  occurrence  of any Event of Default in respect of the  Subordinated
Debt Securities.

COVENANTS

      The Senior  Indenture  contains,  among others,  the covenants  summarized
below, which will be applicable (unless waived or amended) so long as any of the
Senior  Debt  Securities  are  outstanding,   unless  stated  otherwise  in  the
Prospectus Supplement.

      LIMITATIONS ON LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES.  The Company covenants that it will
not nor will it permit  any  Subsidiary,  directly  or  indirectly,  to incur or
create any Lien on any property, assets or stock now owned or hereafter acquired
by the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  without equally and ratably securing
all series of Senior Debt  Securities  then  outstanding  with the  indebtedness
secured by such Lien, other than: (a) Liens for taxes or assessments and similar
charges  either  (i) not  delinquent  or (ii) being  contested  in good faith by
appropriate  proceedings and as to which the Company or such Subsidiary,  as the
case may be,  shall  have set aside on its books  adequate  reserves;  (b) Liens
incurred or pledges and deposits made in connection with workmen's compensation,
unemployment  insurance,  old-age  pensions  and  social  security  benefits  or
securing the performance of bids,  tenders,  leases,  contracts  (other than for
obligations  incurred in connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining
of advances or credit), and statutory obligations of like nature, incurred as an
incident  to  and  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business;  (c)  materialmen's,
mechanics',  repairmen's,  employees',  operators'  or  other  similar  Liens or
charges arising in the ordinary course of business  incidental to  construction,
maintenance or operation of any property of the Company or any Subsidiary  which
have not at the time been filed  pursuant  to law and any such Liens and charges
incidental  to  construction,  maintenance  or  operation of any property of the
Company or any Subsidiary,  which, although filed, relate to obligations not yet
due or the  payment  of  which is  being  withheld  as  provided  by law,  or to
obligations  the  validity  of  which  is  being  contested  in  good  faith  by
appropriate   proceedings;   (d)  zoning  restrictions,   easements,   licenses,
reservations,  provisions,  covenants,  conditions, waivers, restrictions on the
use of property or minor  irregularities of title (and with respect to leasehold
interests,  mortgages,  obligations,  Liens  and  other  encumbrances  incurred,
created,

                                       5



assumed or permitted to exist and arising by,  through or under or asserted by a
landlord  or  owner of the  leased  property,  with or  without  consent  of the
lessee),  which will not individually or in the aggregate  interfere  materially
with the use or  operation  by the  Company or any  Subsidiary  of the  property
affected  thereby for the  purposes  for which such  property was acquired or is
held by the Company or any  Subsidiary;  (e) Liens created by or resulting  from
any  litigation  or  proceeding  which  is  being  contested  in good  faith  by
appropriate  proceedings and as to which levy and execution have been stayed and
continue to be stayed; (f) Liens consisting of repurchase  agreements,  swaps or
other  obligations  entered into in the ordinary course of business  relating to
precious  metals  purchased,  borrowed or  otherwise  held by the Company or any
Subsidiary; (g) Liens incidental to the conduct of its business or the ownership
of its  property  and assets  which were not  incurred  in  connection  with the
borrowing  of money or the  obtaining  of advances or credit and which do not in
the  aggregate  materially  detract  from the  value of the  property  or assets
subject  thereto or  materially  impair the use thereof in the  operation of its
business;  (h) Liens on property or assets of a Subsidiary to secure obligations
of such  Subsidiary to the Company or another  Subsidiary;  (i) Liens arising in
connection with letter of credit trade  transactions,  provided that the Company
or its Subsidiary,  as the case may be, discharges within 60 days its obligation
to pay the  indebtedness to banks arising from payments made by such banks under
such letters of credit; and (j) other Liens,  provided that the aggregate of all
properties and assets of the Company and the  Subsidiaries  which are subject to
or affected by such Liens and which would  properly be classified as assets on a
consolidated  balance  sheet  prepared in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles  as in  effect  on  the  date  of  the  Senior  Indenture
(including  all leases (other than leases of office space and leases of research
and  development  facilities,  if any) that would be required to be reflected as
capital leases pursuant to such principles) does not at any time have a value on
the  books  of  the  Company  and  its  Subsidiaries  in  excess  of  25% of the
Consolidated  Tangible Net Worth of the Company and its Subsidiaries  calculated
for the quarter most recently ended.

      LIMITATIONS ON SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS. The Company covenants that
it will not,  and will not permit any  Significant  Subsidiary  to,  directly or
indirectly,  sell or  transfer  (other  than  to the  Company  or a  Significant
Subsidiary)  any Principal  Property with the intention  that the Company or any
Significant  Subsidiary  take back a lease  thereof which (i) has a term of more
than  three  years or (ii) is  renewable  at the  option of the  Company or such
Significant  Subsidiary  for an  aggregate  period or periods of more than three
years from the date of  commencement  thereof  unless (a) the  Company  promptly
gives  notice  thereof to the  Senior  Trustee,  and  either  (b) the  Principal
Property owned by the Company or a Significant  Subsidiary  immediately prior to
such sale could have been  subjected  to a Lien to secure  indebtedness  without
being required to equally and ratably secure Senior Debt Securities  pursuant to
the limitations  described under  "Limitations on Liens and Encumbrances" or (c)
the net proceeds of such sale are applied within 270 days either before or after
the effective date of any such transaction (i) to the retirement of indebtedness
of the Company or any  Subsidiary  (other than  securities  of any series at the
time  outstanding)  or (ii) to the  redemption of Senior Debt  Securities of any
series at the time outstanding, if permissible under the Indenture and the terms
of  Securities  of such  series,  at a redemption  price equal to the  principal
amount thereof plus the then applicable  premium,  if any, together with accrued
interest,  if any, or (iii) to the  purchase of  property,  securities  or other
assets  having a value at least equal to the net  proceeds of such sale,  or (d)
the Company shall  deliver to the Senior  Trustee for  cancellation  Senior Debt
Securities  of any  series at the time  outstanding  in an  aggregate  principal
amount at least equal to the net proceeds of such sale (less any amounts applied
in accordance with clause (c)).

      CERTAIN DEFINITIONS.  The term "Consolidated Tangible Net Worth" means the
excess of (i) the  consolidated  net book value of the assets of the Company and
its Subsidiaries (other than patents,  patent rights,  trademarks,  trade names,
franchises,  copyrights, licenses, permits, goodwill and other intangible assets
classified as such in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles
as in  effect  on the  date  of the  Senior  Indenture)  after  all  appropriate
deductions in accordance  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles as in
effect  on the date of the  Senior  Indenture  (including,  without  limitation,
reserves for doubtful receivables, obsolescence,  depreciation and amortization)
plus  the  amount,  if any,  by  which  the  market  value  of  precious  metals
inventories  and  investments  exceeds the carrying value of those metals on the
consolidated  books  of  account  of the  Company  over  (ii)  the  consolidated
liabilities   (including  tax  and  other  proper  accruals  but  excluding  the
accumulated  postretirement benefit obligation resulting from the application of
the provisions of FAS No. 106 "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions") of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case computed
and consolidated in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles as
in  effect  on the date of the  Senior  Indenture.  The term  "Lien"  means  any
mortgage,  pledge,  security interest,  encumbrance,  lien or charge of any kind
whatsoever  (including any conditional sale or other title retention  agreement,
any lease in the  nature  thereof,  and the filing of or  agreement  to give any
financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction),  but
in no event shall "Lien" include any


                                       6



defeasance  pursuant to Article 8 of the Senior  Indenture.  The term "Principal
Property" means, with certain  exceptions,  any manufacturing plant or warehouse
owned at the date hereof or hereafter acquired by the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary which is located within the United States and the gross book value of
which (before deduction of any applicable depreciation reserves) is in excess of
5% of the  Company's  Consolidated  Tangible  Net Worth.  The term  "Significant
Subsidiary"  shall have the  meaning  assigned  to such term in  Regulation  S-X
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  The term "Subsidiary"
means any  corporation,  association  or other business  entity,  a majority (by
number of votes) of the voting stock or control of which is at the time owned or
controlled by the Company or another Subsidiary of the Company.

GLOBAL SECURITIES

      The Debt  Securities  of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the
form  of one or  more  global  securities  ("Global  Securities")  that  will be
deposited  with, or on behalf of, the  Depositary  identified in the  Prospectus
Supplement  relating  to  such  series.  Global  Securities  will be  issued  in
registered form and in either  temporary or permanent form.  Unless and until it
is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt Securities in permanent form, a Global
Security may not be  transferred  except as a whole by the  Depositary  for such
Global  Security  to a  nominee  of  such  Depositary  or by a  nominee  of such
Depositary to such  Depositary or another  nominee of such Depositary or by such
Depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such Depositary or a nominee of
such successor.

      The  specific  terms of the  depositary  arrangement  with respect to Debt
Securities of a series will be described in the Prospectus  Supplement  relating
to such series. The Company anticipates that the following provisions will apply
to all depositary arrangements.

      Upon the issuance of a Global  Security,  the  Depositary  for such Global
Security will credit,  on its book-entry  registration and transfer system,  the
respective  principal amounts of the Debt Securities  represented by such Global
Security to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with such Depositary
("Participants").  The  accounts  to be  credited  shall  be  designated  by the
underwriters of such Debt Securities, by certain agents of the Company or by the
Company,  if such Debt  Securities are offered and sold directly by the Company.
Ownership  of  beneficial  interests  in a Global  Security  will be  limited to
Participants or persons that may hold interests through Participants.  Ownership
of  beneficial  interests  in such  Global  Security  will be shown on,  and the
transfer of that ownership will be effected only through,  records maintained by
the Depositary with respect to Participants'  beneficial interests.  The laws of
some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery
of such securities in definitive  form. Such ownership  limits and such laws may
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Security.

      So long as the Depositary for a Global  Security,  or its nominee,  is the
holder of such Global Security, such Depositary or such nominee, as the case may
be,  will be  considered  the  sole  owner  or  holder  of the  Debt  Securities
represented  by such  Global  Security  for all  purposes  under  the  Indenture
governing such Debt Securities.  Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial
interests in a Global  Security will not be entitled to have Debt  Securities of
the series  represented by such Global Security  registered in their names, will
not receive or be entitled to receive  physical  delivery of Debt  Securities of
such series in definitive  form and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the Indenture governing such Debt Securities.

      Principal,  premium,  if any,  and  interest  payments on Debt  Securities
registered in the name of or held by a Depositary or its nominee will be made to
the Depositary or its nominee,  as the case may be, as the registered  holder of
the Global Security representing such Debt Securities.  The Company expects that
the Depositary for Debt  Securities of a series,  upon receipt of any payment of
principal,  premium,  if any, or interest in respect of a Global Security,  will
immediately credit Participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate
to their respective  beneficial  interest in the principal amount of such Global
Security as shown on the records of such  Depositary.  The Company  also expects
that payments by Participants  to owners of beneficial  interests in such Global
Security   held  through  such   Participants   will  be  governed  by  standing
instructions  and customary  practices,  as is now the case with securities held
for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name," and
will be the  responsibility  of such  Participants.  None  of the  Company,  the
Trustee for such Debt  Securities  or any paying agent or any registrar for such
Debt Securities will have any  responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest
in a Global Security for such Debt Securities or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

                                       7



      If a Depositary  for Debt  Securities of a series is at any time unwilling
or  unable  to  continue  as a  Depositary  and a  successor  Depositary  is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days, the Company will issue Debt  Securities
of such series in  definitive  form in exchange for the Global  Security or Debt
Securities representing the Debt Securities of such series represented by one or
more Global Securities.

INTEREST AND FOREIGN CURRENCY

       Principal,  premium,  if any, and interest will be payable,  and the Debt
Securities  will be  transferable,  in the manner  described  in the  Prospectus
Supplement relating to such Debt Securities. If the principal of, or premium, if
any, or any interest on, any of the Debt Securities is payable in any foreign or
composite  currency,  the restrictions,  elections,  tax consequences,  specific
terms and other  information  with  respect  to such  Debt  Securities  and such
foreign or composite  currency  will be specified in the  applicable  Prospectus
Supplement.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE OR CONVEYANCE

      The Indentures  provide that the Company may not consolidate with or merge
into any other person or transfer all or substantially  all of its assets to any
person,  unless (i) the person is organized  under the laws of the United States
or a State  thereof;  (ii) the person  assumes  by  supplemental  indenture  all
obligations  of  the  Company  under  the  applicable  Indenture  and  the  Debt
Securities and any coupons issued under such Indenture;  (iii) immediately after
giving  effect to such  transaction,  no Event of Default,  and no event  which,
after  notice or passage of time would become an Event of Default,  exists;  and
(iv) if,  as a result of any such  transaction,  any  property  or assets of the
Company would become subject to a mortgage,  pledge,  lien, security interest or
other encumbrance which would not be permitted by the Senior Indenture, then the
Company or such person,  as the case may be, secures the Senior Debt  Securities
equally and ratably with or prior to all  obligations  secured by such Lien. The
successor shall be substituted for the Company and thereafter all obligations of
the Company under the applicable  Indenture and the Debt Securities issued under
such Indenture shall terminate.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

      The  following  shall  constitute  Events of Default  with respect to Debt
Securities of any series:  (i) default for a period of 30 days in payment of any
interest on the Debt Securities of that series when due; (ii) default in payment
of principal of (or premium, if any, on) the Debt Securities of that series when
due (whether at maturity,  upon  redemption or otherwise or in the making of any
required  sinking  fund  payment);  (iii)  default in  performance  of any other
covenant, condition or agreement in the Debt Securities of that series or in the
applicable  Indenture  continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in
the  Indenture;  (iv) a  default  under  any  instrument  or other  evidence  of
indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company (including a default with respect
to Debt Securities of any series other than that series) or under any instrument
(including the applicable Indenture) under which there may be issued or by which
there may be evidenced  or secured any  indebtedness  for money  borrowed by the
Company,  which  default shall  involve an amount in excess of  $50,000,000  and
shall constitute a failure to pay such  indebtedness  when due and payable after
the  expiration of any grace period and shall have resulted in the  acceleration
of such  indebtedness,  if such accelerated  indebtedness is not discharged,  or
such  acceleration  is not  annulled,  within 30 days  after  written  notice as
provided in the Indenture;  and (v) certain events of bankruptcy,  insolvency or
reorganization.

      If an Event of Default  with respect to Debt  Securities  of any series at
the time outstanding  shall occur and be continuing,  the Trustee or the holders
of at least 25% in principal  amount of the outstanding  Debt Securities of that
series  may  declare  the  principal  and  accrued  interest  of all of the Debt
Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately.

      Each  Indenture  provides that the Trustee will,  within 90 days after the
occurrence  of a default,  give to holders of the Debt  Securities of the series
with  respect to which a default has  occurred  notice of all  uncured  defaults
known to it; but, except in the case of a default in the payment of principal or
interest on Debt  Securities  of that series,  the Trustee shall be protected in
withholding  such notice if it in good faith  determines that the withholding of
such notice is in the interest of the holders.

      Each Indenture contains a provision entitling the Trustee,  subject to the
duty of the Trustee during a default to act with the required  standard of care,
to be indemnified  by the holders of Debt  Securities of the series with respect
to which a default has occurred before proceeding to exercise any right or power
under such  Indenture at the request of such  holders.  Subject to such right of
indemnification,  each  Indenture  provides  that the  holders of a majority  in
principal  amount of the outstanding  Debt Securities of a series may direct the
time, method and place of conducting

                                       8



any proceeding  for any remedy  available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred upon the Trustee with respect to such series.

      The  Company  will be  required  to  furnish  to the  Trustee  annually  a
statement as to the fulfillment by the Company of all of its  obligations  under
the applicable Indenture.

MODIFICATION OF INDENTURES

      Unless  the  resolution  establishing  the  terms  of a  series  otherwise
provides,  the applicable Indenture and the Debt Securities of any series may be
amended and any default may be waived as follows:  the Debt  Securities  and the
applicable Indenture may be amended with the consent of holders of a majority in
principal  amount of the Debt  Securities of all series  affected  voting as one
class.  A default with respect to the Debt  Securities of a series may be waived
with the consent of the holders of a majority  in  principal  amount of the Debt
Securities of such series. However, without the consent of each holder affected,
no  amendment  or waiver  may (1) reduce  the  amount of Debt  Securities  whose
holders must  consent to an  amendment or waiver,  (2) reduce the interest on or
change the time for  payment of interest  on any Debt  Security,  (3) change the
fixed  maturity  of  any  Debt  Security,   (4)  reduce  the  principal  of  any
non-Discounted  Security  or reduce the amount of  principal  of any  Discounted
Security that would be due on acceleration  thereof,  (5) change the currency in
which principal or interest on a Debt Security is payable, (6) waive any default
in payment of interest on or principal of a Debt Security or (7) change  certain
provisions of the  applicable  Indenture  regarding  waiver of past defaults and
amendments  with the  consent of holders  other than to increase  the  principal
amount of Debt  Securities  required  to  consent.  Without  the  consent of any
holder,  the applicable  Indenture or the Debt Securities may be amended to cure
any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;  to provide for the assumption
of Company  obligations  to  holders  in the event of a merger or  consolidation
requiring such assumption; to provide that specific provisions in the applicable
Indenture not apply to a series of Debt  Securities  not previously  issued;  to
create a series and establish its terms;  to provide for a separate  Trustee for
one or more  series;  or to make any change that does not  materially  adversely
affect the rights of any holder.

DEFEASANCE

      Debt Securities of a series may be defeased in accordance with their terms
and,  unless  the  resolution  establishing  the terms of the  series  otherwise
provides,  as set forth  below.  The Company at any time may  terminate  as to a
series all of its obligations  (except for certain  obligations  with respect to
the defeasance trust, bearer securities,  securityholder lists, compensation and
indemnity  and  replacement  of the Trustee  and  obligations  to  register  the
transfer or exchange of a Debt Security,  to replace  destroyed,  lost or stolen
Debt Securities and to maintain agencies in respect of the Debt Securities) with
respect to the Debt Securities of a series and the applicable  Indenture ("legal
defeasance"). The Company at any time may terminate its obligations with respect
to  the  Debt  Securities  of a  series  under  the  covenants  described  under
"Covenants" ("covenant defeasance").

      The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option  notwithstanding  its
prior exercise of its covenant  defeasance  option. If the Company exercises its
legal defeasance  option, the Debt Securities of a series may not be accelerated
because of an Event of Default. If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance
option,  the Debt  Securities of a series may not be  accelerated as a result of
noncompliance with the covenants described under "Covenants."

      To  exercise  either  option as to the Debt  Securities  of a series,  the
Company must irrevocably  deposit in the trust (the "defeasance trust") with the
applicable  Trustee  money or U.S.  Government  Obligations  for the  payment of
principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Debt Securities of the series to
redemption  or maturity  and must  comply  with  certain  other  conditions.  In
particular,  if the  defeasance  occurs  more than  twelve  months  prior to the
earlier of the  maturity  or the date fixed for  redemption  of the series to be
defeased,  the Company must obtain an opinion of tax counsel that the defeasance
will not result in  recognition  for Federal  income tax purposes of any gain or
loss  to  holders  of the  Debt  Securities  of  the  series.  "U.S.  Government
Obligations"  are direct  obligations of the United States of America which have
the full faith and credit of the United  States of America  pledged  for payment
and which are not callable at the issuer's option, or certificates  representing
an ownership interest in such obligations.

CONVERSION RIGHTS OF DEBT SECURITIES

      If so indicated in the applicable  Prospectus Supplement with respect to a
particular series of Debt Securities,  holders of such series of Debt Securities
will be  entitled,  at any time  prior to the date set  forth in the  Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series, subject to prior redemption, to convert such
Debt  Securities  or portions  thereof  (which are $1,000 or integral  multiples
thereof) into or for Common Stock of the Company, at the conversion rate

                                       9



stated in the Prospectus Supplement, subject to adjustment as described below or
in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement.  The right to convert Debt Securities
called for redemption  will terminate at the close of business on the redemption
date,  and will be lost if not  exercised  prior to that time unless the Company
defaults in making the payments due upon redemption.

      To convert a Debt  Security,  a holder must (i) complete and manually sign
the conversion notice (the "Conversion Notice") on the back of the Debt Security
(or complete and manually  sign a facsimile  thereof) and deliver such notice to
the Conversion Agent or any other office or agency  maintained for such purpose,
(ii) surrender the Debt Security to the Conversion Agent or at such other office
or  agency  by  physical  delivery,  (iii)  if  required,   furnish  appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents,  and (iv) if required,  pay all transfer or
similar  taxes.  The date by which such notice shall have been  received and the
Debt Security  shall have been so  surrendered  to the  Conversion  Agent is the
Conversion  Date.  Such  Conversion  Notice shall be irrevocable  and may not be
withdrawn by a holder for any reason.

      Unless otherwise  provided in the applicable  Prospectus  Supplement,  the
conversion  rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events,
including  the  issuance of Common  Stock as a dividend or  distribution  on the
Common Stock; subdivisions, combinations and certain reclassifications of Common
Stock;  the issuance to all holders of Common Stock of shares or certain  rights
or  warrants  to  subscribe  for  shares of  Common  Stock at less than the then
current market price per share;  and the  distribution  to all holders of Common
Stock of any assets (other than cash dividends paid out of retained earnings) or
debt securities or any rights or warrants to purchase assets or debt securities.
The Company may also increase the  conversion  rate at any time,  temporarily or
otherwise,  by any amount so long as the  conversion  rate does not cause Common
Stock to be issued at less than its par value.

      No  adjustment  in the  conversion  rate  will  be  required  unless  such
adjustment  would require a change of at least 1% of the conversion rate then in
effect; provided,  however, that any adjustment that would otherwise be required
to be made shall be carried  forward  and taken into  account in any  subsequent
adjustment.

      If any Debt Security is converted  between the record date for the payment
of interest and the next  succeeding  interest  payment date, such Debt Security
must be  accompanied  by  funds  equal  to the  interest  payable  on such  next
succeeding  interest payment date on the principal  amount so converted  (unless
such Debt Security shall have been called for redemption  during such period, in
which case no such payment shall be required), and the interest on the principal
amount of the Debt Security being converted will be paid on such next succeeding
interest  payment  date to the  registered  holder of such Debt  Security on the
immediately  preceding  record  date. A Debt  Security  converted on an interest
payment date need not be  accompanied  by any  payment,  and the interest on the
principal  amount  of the Debt  Security  being  converted  will be paid on such
interest  payment  date to the  registered  holder of such Debt  Security on the
immediately  preceding record date, except as otherwise provided above.  Subject
to the aforesaid right of the registered holder to receive interest,  no payment
or adjustment  will be made on conversion for interest  accrued on the converted
Debt Security or for dividends on the Common Stock issued on conversion.

GOVERNING LAW

      The Indentures and the Debt  Securities will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

GENERAL

      The Company is authorized to issue 350,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par
value $1.00 per share,  and  5,000,000  shares of Preferred  Stock,  without par
value. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
As of July 10, 1998, there were 144,507,161 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

COMMON STOCK

      Subject to the rights of the holders of  Preferred  Stock,  the holders of
the Common  Stock of the Company are  entitled to receive  dividends  from funds
legally  available  therefor when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors,
and are entitled upon  liquidation to share ratably in all assets of the Company
after  satisfaction  in full of the prior rights of creditors of the Company and
holders of any Preferred Stock.

                                       10



      The  holders of the Common  Stock are  entitled to one vote for each share
held on all matters as to which  shareholders  are entitled to vote. The holders
of the Common Stock do not have cumulative  voting rights,  any  preferential or
preemptive  right  with  respect  to  any  securities  of  the  Company,  or any
conversion  rights.  The  Common  Stock  is  not  subject  to  redemption.   The
outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

      The Common Stock is listed on the  following  stock  exchanges:  New York,
Chicago (options),  London, Zurich, Basel and Geneva. The transfer agent for the
Common Stock is Chase Mellon Shareholder Services L.L.C.

PREFERRED STOCK

      The Company is authorized  to issue  5,000,000  shares of Preferred  Stock
which may be issued from time to time in one or more  series  with such  rights,
preferences  and  limitations  as are  determined  by  the  Company's  Board  of
Directors.  Satisfaction  of any dividend  preferences of outstanding  Preferred
Stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on
Common Stock.  Also,  holders of Preferred  Stock would  normally be entitled to
receive a  preference  payment  before any  payment is made to holders of Common
Stock in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.
As of the date of this  Prospectus,  no shares of Preferred  Stock are issued or
outstanding.

SUPERMAJORITY VOTING REQUIREMENTS AND CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS

      The Company's  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides that, in
order to  approve a merger  or  consolidation  with or into,  or a sale or other
transfer  of all or a portion  of the  assets of the  Company  other than in the
ordinary course of business to, or the issuance or transfer of voting securities
of the Company as part of an exchange or acquisition of the securities or assets
(including  cash) of, any entity which is the beneficial  owner of 5% or more of
the  outstanding  shares of the  Company  entitled  to vote in the  election  of
Directors,  the affirmative vote of not less than 80% of the outstanding  shares
of Common  Stock  (including  at least 50% of the  outstanding  shares of Common
Stock held by stockholders other than such 5% beneficial owner) is required. The
foregoing  provision  would not be  applicable if the proposed  transaction  was
approved  by a majority  of the Board of  Directors  of the Company who had been
duly  elected  and  acting as  members  of the  Board  prior to the time such 5%
beneficial  owner became the beneficial  owner of 5% or more of the  outstanding
shares of Common Stock.

      The Company's  Restated  Certificate of Incorporation  also provides for a
classified Board of Directors  divided into three classes.  All classes shall be
as nearly equal in number as possible  and no class shall  include less than two
Directors,  with one class of Directors to be elected each year for a three-year
term.

      Neither  provision  described in the foregoing  paragraphs  can be amended
without the  affirmative  vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding
shares of Common  Stock  (including  at least 50% of the  outstanding  shares of
Common Stock held by stockholders other than a 5% beneficial owner).

      The  Company  believes  that the  classified  Board  and  such 80%  voting
requirements  are  desirable to assure  continuity  in Board  membership  and in
policy  formulated by the Board. Such provisions will serve to moderate the pace
of any change in control of the Company by extending  the time required to elect
a majority  of the  Directors  and will  better  enable the Board to protect the
interests of  shareholders  in the event that any person or  corporation  should
attempt to obtain control of the Company.

      It is recognized,  however,  that the effect of such provisions is to make
it more difficult to change  Directors even should this be desired by a majority
of the  Company's  stockholders,  and  may be to  render  more  difficult  or to
discourage a merger,  tender offer or proxy contest or the assumption of control
by a holder of a large block of Company securities.

      The  aforementioned  80% voting  requirement  for  approval  of  specified
transactions  with 5% beneficial  owners,  absent Board  approval,  provides the
Board and minority  stockholders with a veto power over such transactions.  Such
provision  would be  beneficial to Company  management  when  confronted  with a
hostile tender offer and may deter such offers,  thus depriving a stockholder of
the opportunity to dispose of his or her shares to a hostile tender offeror at a
price  substantially  in excess of market value.  The  deterrence of such offers
also has the effect of supporting existing management in its present position.

DIRECTORS' LIABILITY

      The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation,  as amended, provides
that, to the fullest extent  permitted by Delaware law ("DGCL"),  no Director of
the Company will be liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary

                                       11



damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, except for liability (i) for
any breach of the Director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders,
(ii) for acts or  omissions  not in good  faith  or  which  involve  intentional
misconduct or a knowing  violation of law, (iii) in respect of certain  unlawful
dividend  payments  or  stock  redemptions  or  repurchases,  or  (iv)  for  any
transaction from which the Director derived an improper  personal  benefit.  The
effect of such provisions in the Restated  Certificate of Incorporation  will be
to eliminate the rights of the Company and its stockholders  (including  through
stockholders'  derivative  suits on behalf of the  Company) to recover  monetary
damages against a Director for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director (including
breaches  resulting from negligent or grossly negligent  behavior) except in the
situations described in clauses (i) through (iv) above.

      The By-Laws of the Company,  as amended,  provide that each person who was
or is made a party or is  threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any
actual or  threatened  action,  suit or  proceeding,  whether  civil,  criminal,
administrative  or  investigative,  by reason of the fact that such person is or
was a director  or officer of the Company or is or was serving at the request of
the Company as a director or officer of another corporation,  partnership, joint
venture,  trust or other  enterprise,  whether the basis of such  proceeding  is
alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent
or in any other  capacity  while  serving as a  director,  officer,  employee or
agent,  shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest
extent authorized by the DGCL. This right to indemnification  shall also include
the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in connection with any
such  proceeding  in  advance of its final  disposition  to the  fullest  extent
authorized by the DGCL. This right to indemnification shall be a contract right.
The Company may, by action of the Company Board, provide indemnification to such
of the  employees and agents of the Company to such extent and to such effect as
the Company Board determines to be appropriate and authorized by the DGCL.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      The  Company may sell the Debt  Securities  (i)  through  underwriters  or
dealers;  (ii) through agents;  (iii) directly to purchasers;  or (iv) through a
combination of any such methods of sale. Any such  underwriter,  dealer or agent
may be deemed to be an  underwriter  within the meaning of the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.  The  Prospectus  Supplement  relating to any offering of Debt
Securities will set forth their offering  terms,  including the name or names of
any underwriters,  the purchase price of the Debt Securities and the proceeds to
the Company from such sale, any  underwriting  discounts,  commissions and other
items  constituting  underwriters'  compensation,  any initial  public  offering
price,  and any underwriting  discounts,  commissions and other items allowed or
reallowed  or paid to dealers  and any  securities  exchanges  on which the Debt
Securities may be listed.

      If underwriters are used in the sale, the Debt Securities will be acquired
by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in
one or more transactions,  at fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at
market  prices  prevailing  at the time of sale,  or at prices  related  to such
prevailing  market prices, or at negotiated  prices.  The Debt Securities may be
offered to the public either through underwriting  syndicates represented by one
or more managing  underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms.  Unless
otherwise  set  forth  in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  the  obligations  of the
underwriters  to  purchase  the  Debt  Securities  will be  subject  to  certain
conditions  precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the
offered Debt Securities, if any are purchased. Any initial public offering price
and any discounts or concessions  allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be
changed from time to time.

      Debt  Securities  may be sold  directly by the  Company or through  agents
designated by the Company from time to time.  Any agent involved in the offer or
sale of the Debt  Securities  in respect of which this  Prospectus  is delivered
will be named, and any commissions  payable by the Company to such agent will be
set forth, in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated
in the  Prospectus  Supplement,  any such agent  will be acting on a  reasonable
efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

      If so indicated in the Prospectus  Supplement,  the Company will authorize
underwriters,   dealers  or  agents  to  solicit  offers  by  certain  specified
institutions to purchase Debt Securities from the Company at the public offering
price set forth in the accompanying  Prospectus  Supplement  pursuant to delayed
delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the
future.  Such  contracts  will be  subject  to any  conditions  set forth in the
accompanying Prospectus Supplement and such Prospectus Supplement will set forth
the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.  The underwriters and
other persons  soliciting  such  contracts will have no  responsibility  for the
validity or performance of any such contracts.

                                       12



      Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered
into with the Company,  to  indemnification by the Company against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or to  contribution  by the Company to payments  they may be required to make in
respect thereof.

      Certain of the underwriters, agents or dealers and their associates may be
customers  of, or engage in  transactions  with and perform  services  for,  the
Company in the ordinary course of business.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

      Certain  legal  matters in  connection  with the Debt  Securities  will be
passed upon for the Company by Cahill Gordon & Reindel (a partnership  including
a professional corporation), New York, New York.

                                     EXPERTS

      The  consolidated  balance sheets of Engelhard as of December 31, 1997 and
1996 and the consolidated statements of earnings,  shareholders' equity and cash
flows  for each of the  three  years in the  period  ended  December  31,  1997,
incorporated by reference in this  Prospectus and elsewhere in the  Registration
Statement,   have  been  incorporated  herein  in  reliance  on  the  report  of
PricewaterhouseCoopers  L.L.P., independent accountants,  given on the authority
of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

                                       13





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                                  $150,000,000

                              ENGELHARD CORPORATION


                              4.25% NOTES DUE 2013








                    -----------------------------------------
                    P R O S P E C T U S   S U P P L E M E N T
                    -----------------------------------------





                                    JPMORGAN
                               MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                              ABN AMRO INCORPORATED
                         BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
                         BANC ONE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
                                    CITIGROUP







                                   MAY 8, 2003

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