Clay glossary

The pre-firing of a ceramic material to remove all moisture and burn off any oxides and gases.

Forming pottery by pouring slip into a porous mould, usually made from potters plaster.

A very fluid slip of high specific gravity, obtained by deflocculation and used for forming ware using the casting process.

Derived from the Greek ‘Keramos’ meaning ‘earthen vessel’. Today it applies to a whole range of products, i.e. bricks, tiles, pipes, porcelain, china, pottery, etc.

A series of small irregularities on the outer edge or rim of pottery ware. Mainly caused by incorrect fettling.

Carboxy Methyl Cellulose—See Tylose in Miscellaneous Materials.

A measure of the reversible volume or length change of a ceramic material with temperature. Used to determine correct glaze to body fit.

A suspension of extremely fine charged particles in a liquid.

The water driven off when a dry substance is heated. It should be distinguished from the moisture which is driven off below 110°C and which can be variable. The combined water is present in finite proportions.

Production of powder by the breaking down of large particles, usually in a ball mill or mortar and pestle.