China Clay

Description

China clay is a naturally occurring mineral found in sedimentary deposits. It is an ultraclean
material, which is why it is ideal for use in industries that require processing clean materials with
minimal impurities. China clay is also highly desired due to its white color and low content of
minerals, as well as its excellent heat resistance properties. The major source of China clay is
granite, which is weathered to form sedimentary deposits. These deposits are mined and
processed to obtain the clay.

Types of China Clay:

China Clay exists in several different forms, such as kaolin, ball clay and bentonite. Kaolin is usually white
in color, and has a soft, slippery feel. It is composed of tiny particles of quartz and feldspar, and is often
used in the production of paper, ceramics and rubber. Ball clay is a softer variety of clay, and is made up
of very fine particles. It is used for creating ceramic products and for making glazes for glass. Bentonite is
a naturally-occurring clay that is made of montmorillonite, and is used for a variety of purposes, including
bleaching oil, foundry molds and beverage clarification.
China clay is available in two varieties: soft clay and hard clay. Soft clay is preferred for its exceptional
whiteness, whereas hard clay is primarily used for its high strength. Depending on the hardness or
softness, the clay can be used for either pottery or bricks and tiles. As for the particle size, it ranges from
0.25 microns to 2.6 microns.

Uses of China Clay:

The many uses of China clay can be attributed to its unique properties, such as its whiteness, low iron
content, and excellent heat resistance. It is used extensively in the production of paper, ceramics, pottery,
and tiles due to its low refractive index, which is used to reduce glare when coated on the surface of ink-
jet papers. It also used in the production of fiberglass, paint and varnishes, as well as meat-preservatives
and explosives.