What is Clay?

•Clay is a natural material which forms over millions of years and can be found in gardens, riverbeds, fields or even along roadsides.

•Clay forms mostly in areas containing large amounts of granite.

•Clay is composed of alumina, silica, and feldspar (granite) as well as other smaller amounts of minerals.

•Primary clays: “china clay” (kaolin) and bentonite.  These clay bodies are found where they originally formed. They are used to make fine porcelain.

•Secondary clays: ball clay and red clay.  These clay bodies form in sedimentary layers, deposited over time usually by rivers or melting waters.  These clay bodies are used to make earthenware and stoneware objects.