ball clay

noun

, Ceramics.

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ball clay¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The use of a ball clay is therefore limited in white wares because it will spoil the color.

From Project Gutenberg

For earthenware or china, the English potters use only two sorts of clays: the ball clay, also called blue clay, and the kaolin.

From Project Gutenberg

Ball clay is very plastic, easily vitrified, but is not white.

From Project Gutenberg

If it shrinks too little, a little ball clay will correct it.

From Project Gutenberg

Pipe clays are an inferior quality of ball clay; they contain rather more iron and alkalies and considerably more silica.

From Project Gutenberg