Ball Clay is a variety of Kaolinite, like china-clay. It differs from china-clay in having high plasticity and less refractoriness. In chemical composition, ball and china clays do not differ greatly except that the former contains a larger proportion of silica. It has derived its name from the practice of removing it in the form of ball-like lumps from the clay pits in the UK.

Ball clays are kaolinitic sedimentary clays that commonly consist of 20-80% kaolinite, 10-25% mica, 6-65% quartz. Localized seams in the same deposit have variations in composition, including the quantity of the major minerals, accessory minerals and carbonaceous materials such as lignite. They are fine-grained and plastic in nature, and, unlike most earthenware clays, produce a fine quality white-coloured pottery body when fired, which is the key to their popularity with potters. Ball clays are relatively scarce deposits due to the combination of geological factors needed for their formation and preservation.

•  SALIENT FEATURES
•  High plasticity
•  High unfired strength
•  Highly controlled rheological properties
•  Controlled organic content
•  Controlled residue

•  APPLICATIONS
•  Ceramics - Ball Clay is a vital component in ceramic manufacturing.
•  Sanitaryware - A ‘ceramic body’ for sanitaryware typically includes 30% ball clay to provide plasticity and workability, 20% kaolin, 30% feldspar and 20% quartz/silica.
•  Tableware - Ceramic tableware utilizes ball clay to provide high plasticity and a good white-fired color, combined with kaolin, feldspar and quartz.
•  Wall and Floor Tiles - Combined with talc, feldspar, quartz/silica and kaolin, ball clays are utilized for their plasticity and bonding properties.
•  Construction ceramics - Building materials such as bricks, clay pipes and roof tiles all contain ball clay.
•  Electrical Porcelain Insulators - Ball Clays are found in the electrical porcelain components that provide insulation from high voltage currents.

Ball Clay is a variety of Kaolinite, like china-clay. It differs from china-clay in having high plasticity and less refractoriness. In chemical composition, ball and china clays do not differ greatly except that the former contains a larger proportion of silica. It has derived its name from the practice of removing it in the form of ball-like lumps from the clay pits in the UK.

Ball clays are kaolinitic sedimentary clays that commonly consist of 20-80% kaolinite, 10-25% mica, 6-65% quartz. Localized seams in the same deposit have variations in composition, including the quantity of the major minerals, accessory minerals and carbonaceous materials such as lignite. They are fine-grained and plastic in nature, and, unlike most earthenware clays, produce a fine quality white-coloured pottery body when fired, which is the key to their popularity with potters. Ball clays are relatively scarce deposits due to the combination of geological factors needed for their formation and preservation.

•  SALIENT FEATURES
•  High plasticity
•  High unfired strength
•  Highly controlled rheological properties
•  Controlled organic content
•  Controlled residue

•  APPLICATIONS
•  Ceramics - Ball Clay is a vital component in ceramic manufacturing.
•  Sanitaryware - A ‘ceramic body’ for sanitaryware typically includes 30% ball clay to provide plasticity and workability, 20% kaolin, 30% feldspar and 20% quartz/silica.
•  Tableware - Ceramic tableware utilizes ball clay to provide high plasticity and a good white-fired color, combined with kaolin, feldspar and quartz.
•  Wall and Floor Tiles - Combined with talc, feldspar, quartz/silica and kaolin, ball clays are utilized for their plasticity and bonding properties.
•  Construction ceramics - Building materials such as bricks, clay pipes and roof tiles all contain ball clay.
•  Electrical Porcelain Insulators - Ball Clays are found in the electrical porcelain components that provide insulation from high voltage currents.