ball clay
a fine dark kaolinic clay that turns white or nearly white when fired, used in the manufacture of a wide variety of ceramic wares in combination with other clays for its exceptional bonding properties and plasticity.
Origin of ball clay
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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use ball clay in a sentence
The use of a ball clay is therefore limited in white wares because it will spoil the color.
The Potter's Craft | Charles F. BinnsFor earthenware or china, the English potters use only two sorts of clays: the ball clay, also called blue clay, and the kaolin.
British Manufacturing Industries | L. Arnouxball clay is very plastic, easily vitrified, but is not white.
The Potter's Craft | Charles F. BinnsIf it shrinks too little, a little ball clay will correct it.
The Potter's Craft | Charles F. BinnsPipe clays are an inferior quality of ball clay; they contain rather more iron and alkalies and considerably more silica.
The Natural History of Clay | Alfred B. Searle
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