Understanding the Different Clays – Your Ultimate Guide

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:38:30 +0000

If you’re someone who is fascinated by the art of pottery, then understanding the different clays used therein is of vital importance. Your life won’t depend on it, but since clay is the material potters use to create their wares, you really cannot be called a potter if you don’t know all about clays.

There are basically three categories you must know in understanding the different clays: kaolin, stoneware, and earthenware. They are three separate types of clay which are all great for pottery. Clay has a different method of handling, result, and method of being fired.

Kaolin is the purest kind of clay as it is closest to its original form. It easily breaks apart in its raw state because its particles aren’t as worn yet as with earthenware clay. It requires a very high temperature, reaching up to 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit to produce very smooth and shiny fine china and porcelain pottery pieces.

Stoneware clay is also hard clay which requires being fired at high temperatures between 2,100 and 2,350 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a spectrum of colors ranging from light gray to dark brown. It is often used for dinnerware and jugs.

Finally, earthenware clay is softer clay which is a byproduct of silt and clay traveling from afar via water bodies such as rivers. It contains many impurities and in its raw state may even have tiny rocks or sand particles. Lower temperatures are needed to fire it, ranging from 1,700 to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. It appears white or gray after firing, unless of course it was glazed. Roofing tiles and terra cotta pots are its common uses.

As you can see, understanding the different clays allows you to determine how to handle each one during the process of pottery. And now that you’ve done that, surely you can now appreciate your material more the next time you take a slab of clay to mold into your next pottery ware.

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Turning Stone Pottery » Pottery Clays

Understanding the Different Clays – Your Ultimate Guide