Clay (mineral): types, properties and applications

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:41

Clay is a mineral that has found wide application in various spheres of life. This rather complex rock can be represented by different composition and properties. The conditions for the formation of different types of clays also differ significantly.

What is clay?

Geological science has been studying rock for a long time. Scientists have found that clay, not contaminated with impurities, consists of small particles. The dust diameter does not exceed 0.01 mm. These are particles that belong to a certain group of minerals. It is no coincidence that the use of clay has become widespread. Rock is a tangled chemical compound made up of water, silicon and aluminium.

Clays under the influence of liquid change their properties. Depending on the amount of water that is added to the rock particles, a plastic mass or lime can form. The liquid with the addition of clay has a high degree of viscosity. This property is widely used in construction andrepair areas.

Clay properties

The properties of any rock are completely dependent on the composition. Clay is no exception. The size of the constituent particles also matters. When mixed with water, the rock is able to form a viscous dough. This property is widely used in various spheres of life. Clay swells in water. As a result, it can be used very sparingly. In its raw form, clay dough is able to maintain absolutely any shape. Nothing can be changed after freezing. And in order for the product to be preserved for a long time, it is fired. Under the influence of high temperatures, the clay becomes even stronger and more durable.

When describing the basic properties of clay, one cannot help but recall the water resistance. After saturating the required amount of liquid with rock particles, it no longer allows moisture to pass through itself. This property is also widely used in construction.

Certain grades of clay are able to purify petroleum products. The same properties of clay are used to purify vegetable fats and oils. Thanks to this, people can consume products without harmful impurities. Clay absorbs harmful substances from the liquid that can be harmful to he alth. For the same reason, certain types of rocks are used in cosmetology.

What are clays?

In nature, there are a huge number of types of clays. All of them have found their application in one or another sphere of life. Kaolin is a light-colored clay that is less plastic than others.types. It is this breed that is most often used in the paper industry, as well as in the manufacture of dishes.

Refractory clay deserves special attention. This substance is white or light gray in color, which can withstand temperatures above 1500 degrees during firing. Under the influence of high temperature, refractory clay does not soften and does not lose its useful properties. The rock is widely used in the manufacture of porcelain products, as well as in interior decoration. Facing tiles made of refractory clay are considered popular.

Moulding clays can also be fired at sufficiently high temperatures. They differ in high plasticity. Such refractory clay can be used in metallurgy. With its help, special binding molds for metal casting are made.

Cement clays are most commonly used in construction. These are substances of a grayish tint with an admixture of magnesium. Clay is used for the manufacture of various finishing products, as well as a link in construction work.

How and where is clay mined?

Clay is a mineral that is not rare today. The substance can be easily extracted from the earth. It is easiest to detect the substance in those places where rivers used to flow. Clay is considered to be a product of sedimentary rock and the earth's crust. On an industrial scale, clay is mined using excavators. The machine cuts large layers of the earth. In this way, much more minerals can be extracted. The problem is that clay in most cases lies in layers.

Entire quarries serve as places for the extraction of clay. Work begins with the removal of the topsoil. Most often, clay can be found already at a distance of half a meter from the top. The soil is usually easy to work. Clay can be on the surface itself. In some cases, a mineral can be found under groundwater. In this case, the team installs a special drainage to drain water.

Winter is not an obstacle for mining. In order to avoid freezing of the soil, it is insulated with sawdust and other substances with a low level of thermal conductivity. The thickness of the insulation sometimes reaches 50 cm. Already mined clay is also protected from freezing. It is covered with a tarp or other similar material that can keep the right temperature until the clay is delivered to the warehouse.

Clay in construction

In the construction industry, clay has been used since the first days of its discovery. Today, the material is widely used for the construction of houses in the southern regions. Thanks to the properties of the fossil, the houses are cool in summer and warm and cozy in winter. For the manufacture of blocks, only a little sand, clay and straw are taken. After hardening, a durable building material is obtained that is not amenable to any natural factors.

What is the best clay for building houses experts answer unequivocally. The most suitable is cement clay. Facing tiles are also often made from this material. With this finishYou can not only decorate the room, but also protect it from fire. After all, cement clay is also refractory.

Clayware

Clay cutlery is not only beautiful, but also useful. The material is environmentally friendly. Do not be afraid that the dishes under the influence of high temperature will emit substances harmful to he alth. Many people associate the use of clay with the manufacture of plates, pots and vases. Today, dishes from this material are made on an industrial scale. Everyone can purchase a service made of quality material that can last for a long time.

Manual work is much more valued. Entire exhibitions are organized where craftsmen can boast of their products. Here you can also buy high-quality pottery. The main thing is that the product is made in a single copy. But the price will be appropriate.

Clay modeling with kids

Making different things with clay can be a very exciting and fun activity for a child. Modeling contributes to mental development, improves the motor skills of children's hands. The kid can show imagination at his own pleasure. And what can be done from clay, parents will always tell you.

Clay modeling requires careful preparation. It should be remembered that not all clothes can be washed from a mineral. And the child will definitely put spots. Therefore, the baby should be changed into a work uniform, andcover the table with oilcloth. What can be done from clay in the first place? First of all, you should sculpt simple oval figures. It can be animals or funny people. With an older child, you can make a plate and a spoon. After hardening, the product can be painted. It will look original and can last for a long time. But it is worth remembering that clay without firing is quite fragile.

Use of clay in medicine

Even in ancient times, people noticed the beneficial properties of clay and began to use them for medicinal purposes. Some types of minerals have an anti-inflammatory effect. Because of this, they are used to treat various skin diseases. Clay quickly helps to cope with burns, acne and eczema. But in no case should you self-medicate. Certain types of clay have different properties. Only a specialist will be able to choose the right material and apply it correctly to the sore spot. Without the necessary knowledge and skills, only harm can be done.

Clay is a mineral that is a source of many minerals, vitamins and trace elements. Some varieties of rock can also be taken orally. Clay is an excellent source of radium. At the same time, the body absorbs the amount of useful substance that is necessary for normal life.

Clay is able to remove toxins from the blood, as well as normalize metabolism. Due to this property, minerals are often used invarious types of poisoning. The powder is taken orally in a small amount, washed down with water. But only certain types of clay can be used for medicinal purposes.

Clay in cosmetology

Many girls often use cosmetic clay to improve their appearance. The mineral is able to even out skin tone, rid the face of acne, and thighs from fat deposits. Various types of clay are used for cosmetic purposes. All of them have their own characteristics and properties.

For facial rejuvenation, the most commonly used white mineral clay. The photos of women who have used this product for facial enhancement are impressive. Mimic wrinkles are really smoothed out, and age spots disappear completely. For girls with oily skin and large pores, white clay is also perfect. Properties and use of the substance - information that can be read on the package. But it is still better to use any clay after consulting a beautician.

Application of blue clay

This rock has good anti-inflammatory properties. It contains s alts and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands. Blue clay masks should be made for people who are prone to skin rashes. Acne and comedones are perfectly treated with the help of a natural substance.

You can also lighten skin with blue clay. 10 procedures will help to get rid of freckles and age spots for a long time. In addition, blue clay perfectly smoothes shallow facial expressions.wrinkles.

Green Clay

This substance is also widely used in cosmetology. Green clay has excellent absorbent properties. Thanks to this, it is possible to quickly cleanse the body of harmful substances and toxins. Clay can be applied both on the face and on the whole body.

Wraps with green clay are considered popular. The mineral helps to restore the body's water balance and remove excess moisture. This property helps girls get rid of cellulite, as well as make the skin more even and smooth.

Red clay

The most optimal for people who are prone to allergic reactions will be red clay. This substance has a special shade due to the content of copper and iron oxide in it. Only the extracted substance cannot be immediately used in cosmetology. Making clay for various masks is a laborious process. It is red clay that is being prepared for use with special attention. The breed is purified from various harmful impurities that can harm the skin.

Red clay masks perfectly relieve redness and irritation of the skin. The material is also widely used in medicine. Red clay promotes the speedy healing of wounds, and makes postoperative scars less noticeable.