BBC Mines & Minerals

Merta, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Quartz is a mineral Often quartz is clear to milky, With other color variation depending on what impurities are present in its formation It is mainly Composed of Silicon Dioxide It is the second most abundant mineral on earth after Feldspar Quartz is usually mined from veins within the rock Quartz is often used in glass making as well as decorative gemstones in jewelry Common gemstone names for Quartz are amethyst, Citrine, Jasper, rose quartz and smoky Quartz.

Soda and Potash is the name given to a group of minerals distinguished by the presence of Sodium and Pottasium in their chemistry. This group includes aluminum silicates of soda, potassium, or lime. It is the single most abundant mineral group on Earth.  

Kaolin, also called china clay, soft white  clay  that is an essential ingredient in the manufacture of china and  porcelain  and is widely used in the making of Ceramics, paper, rubber, paint, and many other products. Kaolin is mixed with water in the range of 20 to 35 percent, it becomes plastic (i.e., it can be molded under pressure), and the shape is retained after the pressure is removed. With larger percentages of water, the kaolin forms a slurry, or watery suspension. ​ In the manufacture of whiteware the kaolin is usually mixed with approximately equal amounts of silica and feldspar and a somewhat smaller amount of a plastic light-burning clay known as ball clay. These components are necessary to obtain the proper properties of plasticity, shrinkage, vitrification, etc., for forming and firing the ware. Kaolin is generally used alone in the manufacture of refractories. ​ ​ Properties of our Kaolin clay in Ceramic Industry High fusion temperature White burning characteristics Particularly suitable for the manufacture of  whiteware , porcelain, and refractories. The absence of any iron, alkalis, or alkaline earths in the molecular structure of kaolinite confers upon it these desirable ceramic properties. ​

Ball clay acts as binding agent and contributes to plasticity, workability and strength a pre-fired ceramic body. Some are highly valued for their fluid and casting properties, particularly in the manufacture of sanitaryware.    BBC Mines and Minerals have at its disposal ball clays with a range of different properties. By blending selected clays from different locations, we can provide high quality products for a range of ceramic applications. ​ Key Properties: High plasticity; High unfired strength; Highly controlled rheological properties; Controlled organic content; Controlled residue; Excellent workability. ​