Clay - a versatile raw material
Many people only know clay in connection with pottery courses. In these you learn how to make handmade pottery from clay. Working with clay is particularly popular and frequently used in art therapy. Pressing, kneading, casting and rolling – the application techniques are varied. This natural raw material makes it possible to create your own little work of art. This strengthens self-confidence and activates resources. Clay is just as important for the industrial production of many everyday products.
What is clay anyway?
Clay is formed by the weathering of rock, particularly feldspar, when it breaks down into very small particles. If the individual particles are no larger than 2 µm, they are referred to as a clay fraction. A special feature of clay: it can absorb, store and release water. If clay stores a certain amount of water, it can be plastically formed. Although clay is brittle when dry, it retains the shape it has assumed in its plastic state. Under extremely high temperatures, some of the mineral ingredients in the clay fuse to form insoluble compounds - ceramic is created, a rock-hard mass that can last for thousands of years.
Clay is so versatile
Clay comes in different colors. Depending on the clay pit, it appears white, beige, yellow, gray, red, violet and black as well as the corresponding shades of color. A special feature is white clay, so-called kaolin. But it's not just the different colors and shades that make clay a versatile raw material. There are also various types of clay and classifications, including plastic clay, slate clay, bentonite and kaolin. Due to the varying properties such as firing behavior, liquefaction properties, drying behavior, water absorption and firing color, clay can be used for different areas of application. Popular areas of application include the production of flower pots, tiles, clinker bricks, grinding discs and roof tiles as well as use in the sanitaryware sector.
Clay, an everyday companion
Clay has been an integral part of our lives for thousands of years. The raw material impresses with its versatility and resistance and we encounter it in countless areas of our everyday lives. From sinks to roof tiles and tiles to coffee cups – clay has long since become an indispensable everyday companion. The importance of clay is revealed by a study that showed that every person needs around 29 tons of clay in their life, processed into many indispensable products.
Theodor Stephan KG not only operates two of its own clay pits, but also processes clay-like raw materials into defined powders in its own grinding plant. For us, it's all about clay, and continuous quality assurance throughout the entire process chain is a matter of course for us.
Competent advice from experts
Sealing clay, bentonite, binding clay, engobe and glaze clays, casting clays, kaolins – the variety of clay is impressive. This makes advice from experts all the more important. The staff at Theodor Stephan KG will advise you on which type of clay is best suited for your project. Tailor-made raw material solutions are our core competency. Simply contact us, we look forward to advising you.