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1. Earthenware 2. Stoneware 3. Porcelain 4. Ball Clay

4 Types of Clay

Earthenware

Earthenware was used to make some of the oldest known pottery. The most common earthenware clay is Terracotta or terra cotta. A popular culturally significant piece you might know are the terracotta warriors. But there are other types as well such as Redware (Americas) and Raku (Japan).

Stoneware

Stoneware is typically a less porous and sturdier material than its porcelain and earthenware siblings. People in the Indus valley (modern-day Pakistan and northern India) made a lot of stoneware. The use of this type of clay spread north to China. The Chinese produced some of the most celebrated ancient pieces in stoneware during the Han Dynasty.

Porcelain

Porcelain clay is the source of an ancient style of making ceramics dating back to the Shang Dynasty in China (1600 – 1046 BC). Porcelain clay’s main ingredient is kaolin clay (also known as china clay). You’ve probably used porcelain pottery that mirrors the style developed so long ago if you’ve ever eaten on fine china.

Ball Clay

Ball clay is less abundant than the other three types of clay. Its properties are similar to that of earthenware. The big difference between ball clay and earthenware is the white finish after firing. You’ll find ball clay in the eastern United States and in Great Britain.

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4 Types of Clay

What Are The 4 Types Of Clay?