Materials used in the manufacture of Ceramics

Frit

Frit

Fine plastic clays are likely to crack in the firing unless there is a non-plastic material present to form ‘passageways’ for the moisture to escape before it bursts the pot. Coarse clays usually contain grit and small stones which serve this purpose.

Fine clays need fine grit or sand to be added, and this was found at Mole Cop (now Mow Cop) on the border of Staffordshire and Cheshire. From here also was obtained excellent mill and grinding stones.

questions / comments? email Steve Birks steveb@netcentral.co.uk