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.
Historical Examples
The use of a ball clay is therefore limited in white wares because it will spoil the color.
The Potter’s Craft Charles F. Binns
ball clay is very plastic, easily vitrified, but is not white.
The Potter’s Craft Charles F. Binns
For the same reason, great care is needed in any endeavour to sell a ball clay from an hitherto unworked deposit.
The Natural History of Clay Alfred B. Searle
Pipe 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
The ball clay from Poole is dug in the neighbourhood of Wareham, by Mr. Pike.
British Manufacturing Industries L. Arnoux
For 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. Arnoux
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