Clay. Properties of clay. Clay composition. Body cleansing and treatment with food clay

Natural, inexpensive, effective and easy to use - all this is about blue clay, which has been used for centuries to treat and prevent many diseases. Gray powder, diluted with water, is used as masks for the face and hair, as a healing drink and in the form of medicinal applications, compresses and baths. So what is blue clay and what are its medicinal properties?

What is blue clay: description, composition

Blue or Cambrian clay (kaolin) is a sedimentary volcanic rock that is more than half a billion years old. It was formed on the basis of minerals: mica, marble, limestone, spar and kaolinite. The main production regions are Crimea and Altai.

The natural product has the appearance of a fine powder of a dirty gray color, does not dissolve in liquids, and settles to the bottom in mixtures. When mixed with water, it contains a natural green dye. copper complex Chlorophyllins give clay a bluish tint. On the skin, under the influence of oxygen, it changes color to gray-green.

The chemical composition of the product differs depending on where it was mined. The basis of the powdery substance is:

  • silicon oxide;
  • aluminosilicates;
  • zinc oxide;
  • Nitric oxide;
  • magnesium;
  • manganese;
  • molybdenum;
  • copper;
  • silver ions;
  • potassium;
  • iron;
  • calcium;
  • radium (in a minimal amount).

What are the benefits of blue clay?

Kaolin is a source of beneficial microelements, which determines its therapeutic effect on human body. The healing properties of volcanic powder are presented in the table:

Effect Characteristic
Antiseptic Disinfects and heals wounds on the skin, kills bacteria
Immunomodulatory Increases local resistance to infections and viruses
Absorbent Absorbs and removes toxins, poisons, excess gland secretions
Stimulating Activates metabolic and restoration processes in cells
Antitumor Radium (a radioactive element) contained in the composition prevents the formation of cancer cells
Rejuvenating Due to silver ions, it increases the synthesis of natural elements of collagen and elastin
Lymphatic drainage Eliminates swelling of tissues, fights the accumulation of fatty tissue

The earliest cosmetic products invented by mankind had natural origin. Thousands of years ago, women chose length to take care of themselves. And today clay remains popular, but especially for figure correction. White clay (kaolin) is even taken orally for the purpose of losing weight. How correct is this? Maybe white clay is harmful when taken orally? You can understand whether it is worth taking or not by carefully considering the properties of this product.

Qualities of white clay for oral administration

In general, such clay is used for a variety of purposes. It is added to cosmetic oils, hair care products, and is also widely used for weight loss. True, the most valuable effect of the product is its ability to cleanse from contaminants. It is for this reason that white clay is recommended for improving skin quality, getting rid of wrinkles and folds after intensive weight loss. But such a gift of nature can also be taken internally. In this case, it will have several useful effects at once.

  1. Cleansing the intestines of toxins, undigested food debris, and deposits harmful to the body. White clay has sorbent properties. It is no coincidence that it is used, for example, in the manufacture of activated carbon. Just not the black tablets that everyone is used to, but those with a characteristic light tint.
  2. Stimulation of metabolic processes. To a small extent, white clay helps increase metabolism. If you use it correctly, you will be able to help the body organize high-quality digestion of food, burning fat, and so on. Which ultimately leads to weight loss.
  3. Regulation of digestive processes. The complex effect of taking kaolin orally also suggests that you can get rid of problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, not only weight loss is observed, but also an accompanying improvement in the condition of the skin, hair, and nails.

There really are a lot of beneficial effects for your figure from using the product. But it is necessary to emphasize here that the white clay itself must be of the highest quality. If for external procedures you can choose clay not so carefully, then for oral use you will need only the highest quality product. The seller must have certificates of conformity available.

How to take white clay internally for weight loss

It is worth immediately noting that white clay is sold in several grades. They can be distinguished by their shade. If you are going to use the product internally, you need to choose kaolin, which has the lightest color. Dark colored clay is more suitable for wraps. When you have chosen the right product, all that remains is to complete a few simple steps. But you need to repeat them very carefully.

  1. First you need to select the appropriate dose of kaolin. At first, 0.5 teaspoon is enough for one dose. This amount of white clay is poured into a glass of warm water and mixed well. When you get a solution without noticeable impurities of the product, you just need to drink it in one go.
  2. The best time to use white clay internally for weight loss is in the morning before breakfast. And this dosage should be taken for a week. It can be further increased if the body responds normally to the “treatment”.
  3. When a week has passed, instead of half a spoon of white clay, you can dilute a whole one. Moreover, it is added to the same glass of warm water.
  4. You can also move on to the next stage in a week. We replace a teaspoon with a full tablespoon. The rest of the reception principle is similar. At this point, the body must adapt to a large number kaolin. Therefore, there will be no unpleasant sensations.
  5. After another week, you need to start taking even more white clay. Moreover, if earlier we diluted it in water, now there is no need to do this. Instead of preparing a solution, just take kaolin and roll it into a small ball so that it is a maximum of half a centimeter in diameter. And we swallow such an improvised pill, pouring water on him “to catch up”. You need to drink 10–15 of these balls per use.
  6. Finally, after another week you need to stop taking it. Now you need to take a short break. It should last about three months. After such a wait, you are allowed to repeat the course if the results of the previous one are not completely satisfactory.

Taking white clay internally is a rather complex procedure that consists of several stages. Of course, the process can be significantly simplified. For example, take a teaspoon of white clay diluted in water for a couple of weeks. The method of administration should be chosen depending on the state of the body, its reaction, and the desired effect.

Precautions when taking white clay internally

White clay is not the most common remedy, so some women are afraid to take it orally. In principle, there is nothing dangerous about this. But it is desirable that there is not even a hint of some of the riskiest contraindications. Primarily contraindications are chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and urolithiasis. But, of course, it is impossible to predict for sure the effect that white clay will have on the body. So, be sure to monitor the reaction, and if significant side effects appear, stop using it.

An allergy to white clay is unlikely, but still possible. If it manifests itself, there is no need to be upset. Instead of taking it internally, you can always use kaolin for wraps and external procedures. And in general, it is best to combine several methods of using this product. You can simultaneously drink it using the technology described above and apply it to the skin to combat cellulite, belly fat, and so on, making body wraps.

White clay inside for weight loss - unsafe, but useful

We will not claim that kaolin is completely safe and recommended for everyone. This is, of course, not true. But, if you follow the rules for taking it orally, you will be able to improve digestion, get rid of harmful deposits in the intestines, and enhance metabolism. Losing weight may not be too intense. But Better conditions to reset extra pounds will still appear. All that remains is to use them so that there are no more flaws in the appearance.

Clay is an interesting and diverse material in its properties, which is formed as a result of the destruction of rocks. Many people, when dealing with this plastic substance, wonder: what does clay consist of? Let's find out the answer to this question, and also figure out how this can be useful to a person.

What is clay, what substance does it consist of?

Clay is a sedimentary rock, fine-grained in structure. When dry, it is often dusty, but if it is moistened, it becomes a plastic and pliable material that can take any shape. When the clay hardens, it becomes hard and its shape does not change.

The mineral composition of different types of clays, although different, necessarily contains substances of the kaolinite and montmorillonite group or other layered aluminosilicates. Clay may also contain other impurities, carbonate and sand particles.

The typical composition of this substance looks like this:

  • kaolinite - 47%;
  • aluminum oxide - 39%;
  • water - 14%.

These are not all the components of clay. Mineral inclusions - halloysite, diaspore, hydrargillite, corundum, monothermite, muscovite and others - are also present in different quantities. The following minerals can contaminate clays and kaolins: quartz, dolomite, gypsum, magnetite, pyrite, limonite, marcasite.

Types of clays

What clay is made of depends largely on where and how it is formed. Depending on this, they distinguish:

1. Sedimentary clays are the result of the transfer of natural weathering products and their deposition in a certain place. They are marine - born at the bottom of the seas and oceans, and continental - formed on the mainland. Marine clays, in turn, are divided into:

  • shelf;
  • lagoon;
  • coastal.

2. Residual clays are formed during the weathering of non-plastic rocks and their transformation into plastic kaolins. Study of such residual deposits may reveal a smooth transition of clay into parent rock with changes in elevation.

Properties of clay

Regardless of what substance clay consists of and where it was formed, there are characteristic properties that distinguish it from others natural materials.

When dry, clay has a dusty structure. If it hardens in lumps, it crumbles easily. This material quickly gets wet, absorbs water, and as a result swells. At the same time, the clay acquires water resistance - the ability not to allow liquid to pass through.

The main feature of clay is its plasticity - the ability to easily take on any shape. Depending on this ability, clay can be classified into “fat” - which is characterized by increased plasticity, and “lean” - diluted with other substances and gradually losing this property.

Plastic clay is characterized by stickiness and viscosity. This property is widely used in construction. Think about what the construction mixture consists of? Clay is an essential component of any connecting solution.

Distribution on the planet

Clay is a very common material on Earth, and therefore inexpensive. There are a lot of clay deposits in any area. On the sea coasts you can see clay dumps that used to be solid rocks. The banks and bottom of rivers and lakes are often covered with a layer of clay. If the forest path has a brown or red tint, then most likely it also consists of residual clay.

In industrial clay mining, the open-pit mining method is used. To get to deposits of useful substances, they first remove and then remove the fossils. At different depths, clay layers may differ in composition and properties.

Human use of clay

As already mentioned, clay is most often used in construction. Everyone knows that the usual material for constructing structures is bricks. What are they made of? Sand and clay are the main components of the dough, which under the influence of high temperatures becomes hard and turns into brick. To prevent a wall made of individual blocks from crumbling, use a viscous solution that also contains clay.

A mixture of clay and water becomes the raw material for pottery production. Humanity has long learned to produce vases, bowls, jugs and other containers from clay. They can have different sizes and shapes. Previously, pottery was a necessary and widespread craft, and clay products became the only utensils used in everyday life and a very popular product in the markets.

Clay is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. Those who care about the beauty and health of the skin know about the beneficial effects of certain types of this substance. Clay is used for wraps, masks and lotions. It effectively fights cellulite, gives skin elasticity, and prevents premature aging. For some medical indications clay is even used internally. And for skin diseases, dried and ground into dust material is prescribed in the form of powders. It is important to mention that not any clay is used for such purposes, but only some types that have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.

What is polymer clay

Polymer clay makes it easy to imitate the texture of other materials, such as wood or stone. You can make your own souvenirs from this plastic substance, Christmas decorations, jewelry, interior decorations, keychains and much more. Such handmade products will be an excellent gift; they can be stored for a long time without losing their attractive appearance and original shape.

What does polymer clay consist of? Homemade recipe

Craftswomen who were interested in the process of making such bright souvenirs probably thought about how to make polymer clay on one's own. This is a very real task. Naturally, the resulting material will not be identical to factory-made polymer clay, but if manufactured correctly, its properties will not be inferior in any way.

Required components:

  • PVA glue - 1 cup;
  • corn starch - 1 cup;
  • non-greasy hand cream without silicone - 1 tablespoon;
  • Vaseline - 1 tablespoon;
  • lemon juice - 2 tablespoons.

This is everything that we will prepare at home.

Mix starch, glue and Vaseline thoroughly, add lemon juice and mix again until smooth. Place in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and send back for another 30 seconds. The crust that has formed on the surface must be removed and discarded, and the elastic mass should be placed on a tray greased with hand cream and kneaded vigorously for 5 minutes. After cooling, our polymer clay is ready for use.

By learning how to make polymer clay yourself, you can save on expensive purchased materials and, without limiting yourself, master an interesting, creative activity.

Clay is an interesting and diverse material in its properties, which is formed as a result of the destruction of rocks. Many people, when dealing with this plastic substance, wonder: what does clay consist of? Let's find out the answer to this question, and also figure out how this natural material can be useful to humans.

Clay is a fine-grained sedimentary rock, dust-like when dry, plastic when moistened.

Origin of clay.

Clay - secondary product, formed as a result of the destruction of rocks during the weathering process. The main source of clay formations are feldspars, the destruction of which under the influence of atmospheric agents forms silicates of the group of clay minerals. Some clays are formed by the local accumulation of these minerals, but most are sediments from water flows that accumulate at the bottom of lakes and seas.

In general, according to their origin and composition, all clays are divided into:

- sedimentary clays, formed as a result of the transfer to another place and deposition there of clayey and other products of the weathering crust. Based on their origin, sedimentary clays are divided into marine clays, deposited on the seabed, and continental clays, formed on the mainland.

Among marine clays there are:

  • Coastal- are formed in coastal zones (turbulence zones) of seas, open bays, and river deltas. They are often characterized by unsorted material. They quickly change into sandy and coarse-grained varieties. Replaced by sandy and carbonate deposits along the strike. Such clays are usually interbedded with sandstones, siltstones, coal seams and carbonate rocks.
  • Lagoon- are formed in sea lagoons, semi-enclosed with a high concentration of salts or desalinated. In the first case, the clays are heterogeneous in granulometric composition, insufficiently sorted and wind together with gypsum or salts. Clays from desalinated lagoons are usually finely dispersed, thin-layered, and contain inclusions of calcite, siderite, iron sulfides, etc. Among these clays there are fire-resistant varieties.
  • Offshore- are formed at a depth of up to 200 m in the absence of currents. They are characterized by a uniform granulometric composition and large thickness (up to 100 m or more). Distributed over a large area.

Among the continental clays there are:

  • Deluvial- characterized by a mixed granulometric composition, its sharp variability and irregular layering (sometimes absent).
  • Ozernye with a uniform granulometric composition and finely dispersed. All clay minerals are present in such clays, but kaolinite and hydromicas, as well as minerals of hydrous oxides Fe and Al, predominate in clays of fresh lakes, and minerals of the montmorillonite group and carbonates predominate in clays of salt lakes. Lake clays include the best varieties of fire-resistant clays.
  • Proluvial, formed by temporary flows. Characterized by very poor sorting.
  • River- developed in river terraces, especially in the floodplain. Usually poorly sorted. They quickly turn into sands and pebbles, most often non-layered.

Residual - clays resulting from the weathering of various rocks on land, and in the sea as a result of changes in lavas, their ashes and tuffs. Down the section, residual clays gradually transform into parent rocks. The granulometric composition of residual clays is variable - from fine-grained varieties in the upper part of the deposit to uneven-grained ones in the lower part. Residual clays formed from acidic massive rocks are not plastic or have little plasticity; Clays formed during the destruction of sedimentary clay rocks are more plastic. Continental residual clays include kaolins and other eluvial clays. In the Russian Federation, in addition to modern ones, ancient residual clays are widespread - in the Urals, in the West. and Vost. Siberia (there are also many of them in Ukraine) - having a large practical significance. In the mentioned areas, clays predominantly montmorillonite, nontronite, etc. appear on basic rocks, and on medium and acidic rocks - kaolins and hydromica clays. Marine residual clays form a group of bleaching clays composed of minerals of the montmorillonite group.

Clay is everywhere. Not in the sense - in every apartment and plate of borscht, but in every country. And if there are not enough diamonds, yellow metal or black gold in some places, then there is enough clay everywhere. Which, in general, is not surprising - clay, sedimentary rock, is a stone worn by time and external influences to the state of powder. Last stage evolution of stone. Stone-sand-clay. However, the last one? And sand can form into stone - golden and soft sandstone, and clay can become brick. Or a person. Who's got some luck?

The clay is colored by the creator stone and salts of iron, aluminum and similar minerals that happen to be nearby. They reproduce, live and die in clay different organisms. This is how red, yellow, blue, green, pink and other colored clays are obtained.

Previously, clay was mined along the banks of rivers and lakes. Or they dug a hole specifically for it. Then it became possible not to dig the clay yourself, but to buy it from a potter, for example. During our childhood, we dug out ordinary red clay ourselves, and bought noble white clay in artists’ stores or, especially pure clay, in a pharmacy. Now a nice little shop selling cosmetics will certainly have clay. True, not entirely in its pure form, but mixed with various detergents, moisturizers and nourishing agents.

Our land is rich in clay. Roads and paths cut into loamy soil become sources of dust in the heat, and in slush they become pure mud. Clay dust covered the traveler from head to toe and added to the housework of the housewives whose house stood by the road. Surprisingly, there was no less dust near roads covered with asphalt. True, he turned from red to black. Ledum, thickly mixed with clay, not only prevents a pedestrian from walking and a wheel from moving, but also, depending on the mood, you don’t mind swallowing a boot or a jeep.

Clay consists of one or more minerals of the kaolinite group (derived from the name of the area Kaolin in China People's Republic(PRC)), montmorillonite or other layered aluminosilicates (clay minerals), but may also contain sand and carbonate particles. As a rule, the rock-forming mineral in clay is kaolinite, its composition is: 47% silicon (IV) oxide (SiO 2), 39% aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3) and 14% water (H 2 0). Al2O3 And SiO2- constitute a significant part of the chemical composition of clay-forming minerals.

The diameter of clay particles is less than 0.005 mm; Rocks consisting of larger particles are usually classified as loess. Most clays are gray in color, but there are clays in white, red, yellow, brown, blue, green, purple and even black. The color is due to impurities of ions - chromophores, mainly iron in valence 3 (red, yellow) or 2 (green, bluish).

Dry clay absorbs water well, but when wet it becomes waterproof. After kneading and mixing, it acquires the property of accepting various shapes and store them after drying. This property is called plasticity. In addition, clay has binding ability: with powdery solids(sand) gives a homogeneous “dough”, which also has plasticity, but to a lesser extent. Obviously, the more sand or water admixtures in the clay, the lower the plasticity of the mixture.

According to the nature of the clays, they are divided into “fat” and “lean”.

Clays with high plasticity are called “fat” because when soaked they give a tactile sensation of a fatty substance. “Fatty” clay is shiny and slippery to the touch (if you take such clay on your teeth, it slips), and contains few impurities. The dough made from it is soft. Bricks made from such clay crack when dried and fired, and to avoid this, so-called “lean” substances are added to the mix: sand, “lean” clay, burnt brick, broken pottery, sawdust and so on.

Clays with low plasticity or non-plasticity are called “lean”. They are rough to the touch, with a matte surface, and when rubbed with a finger, they easily crumble, separating earthy dust particles. “Skinny” clays contain a lot of impurities (they crunch on the teeth); when cut with a knife, they do not produce shavings. Bricks made from “lean” clay are fragile and crumbly.

An important property of clay is its relationship to firing and, in general, to elevated temperatures: if soaked clay in air hardens, dries and is easily wiped into powder without undergoing any internal changes, then at high temperatures chemical processes occur and the composition of the substance changes.

At very high temperatures, clay melts. The temperature of melting (beginning of melting) characterizes the fire resistance of clay, which is not the same for its different varieties. Rare types of clay require colossal heat for firing - up to 2000°C, which is difficult to obtain even in factory conditions. In this case, there is a need to reduce fire resistance. The melting temperature can be reduced by adding the following substances (up to 1% by weight): magnesia, iron oxide, lime. Such additives are called fluxes (fluxes).

The color of the clays is varied: light gray, bluish, yellow, white, reddish, brown with various shades.

Minerals contained in clays:

  • Kaolinite (Al2O3 2SiO2 2H2O)
  • Andalusite, disthene and sillimanite (Al2O3 SiO2)
  • Halloysite (Al2O3 SiO2 H2O)
  • Hydrargillite (Al2O3 3H2O)
  • Diaspore (Al2O3 H2O)
  • Corundum (Al2O3)
  • Monothermite (0.20 Al2O3 2SiO2 1.5H2O)
  • Montmorillonite (MgO Al2O3 3SiO2 1.5H2O)
  • Muscovite (K2O Al2O3 6SiO2 2H2O)
  • Narkite (Al2O3 SiO2 2H2O)
  • Pyrophyllite (Al2O3 4SiO2 H2O)

Minerals contaminating clays and kaolins:

  • Quartz(SiO2)
  • gypsum (CaSO4 2H2O)
  • dolomite (MgO CaO CO2)
  • Calcite (CaO CO2)
  • Glauconite (K2O Fe2O3 4SiO2 10H2O)
  • Limonite (Fe2O3 3H2O)
  • Magnetite (FeO Fe2O3)
  • Marcasite (FeS2)
  • Pyrite (FeS2)
  • Rutile (TiO2)
  • Serpentine (3MgO 2SiO2 2H2O)
  • Siderite (FeO CO2)

Clay appeared on earth many thousands of years ago. Its “parents” are considered to be rock-forming minerals known in geology - kaolinites, spars, some varieties of mica, limestones and marbles. Under certain conditions, even some types of sand transform into clay. All known rocks that have geological outcrops on the surface of the earth are subject to the influence of the elements - rain, whirlwind storms, snow and flood waters.

Temperature changes day and night, heating of the rock sun rays promote the appearance of microcracks. Water gets into the cracks that form and, freezing, breaks the surface of the stone, forming a large amount of tiny dust on it. Natural cyclones crush and grind dust into even finer dust. Where the cyclone changes its direction or simply subsides, over time, huge clusters rock particles. They are pressed, soaked in water, and the result is clay.

Depending on what rock the clay is formed from and how it is formed, it acquires different colors. The most common clays are yellow, red, white, blue, green, dark brown and black. All colors, except black, brown and red, indicate the deep origin of the clay.

The colors of clay are determined by the presence of the following salts in it:

  • red clay - potassium, iron;
  • greenish clay - copper, ferrous iron;
  • blue clay - cobalt, cadmium;
  • dark brown and black clay - carbon, iron;
  • yellow clay - sodium, ferric iron, sulfur and its salts.

Various colored clays.

We can also give an industrial classification of clays, which is based on the assessment of these clays based on a combination of a number of characteristics. For example, this appearance products, color, sintering (melting) interval, resistance of the product to sudden changes in temperature, as well as the strength of the product to impacts. Based on these characteristics, you can determine the name of the clay and its purpose:

  • china clay
  • earthenware clay
  • white-burning clay
  • brick and tile clay
  • pipe clay
  • clinker clay
  • capsule clay
  • terracotta clay

Practical use of clay.

Clays are widely used in industry (in the production ceramic tiles, refractories, fine ceramics, porcelain-faience and plumbing trade items), construction (production of brick, expanded clay and other building materials), for household needs, in cosmetics and as a material for artwork(modeling). Expanded clay gravel and sand produced from expanded clay by annealing with swelling are widely used in the production of building materials (expanded clay concrete, expanded clay concrete blocks, wall panels, etc.) and as a heat and sound insulating material. This is a lightweight porous building material obtained by firing low-melting clay. It has the shape of oval granules. It is also produced in the form of sand - expanded clay sand.

Depending on the clay processing mode, expanded clay of different bulk density (volume weight) is obtained - from 200 to 400 kg/M3 and higher. Expanded clay has high heat and noise insulation properties and is used primarily as a porous filler for lightweight concrete, which has no serious alternative. Expanded clay concrete walls are durable, have high sanitary and hygienic characteristics, and expanded clay concrete structures built more than 50 years ago are still in use today. Housing built from prefabricated expanded clay concrete is cheap, high quality and affordable. The largest producer of expanded clay is Russia.

Clay is the basis of pottery and brick production. When mixed with water, clay forms a dough-like plastic mass suitable for further processing. Depending on the place of origin, natural raw materials have significant differences. One can be used in its pure form, the other must be sifted and mixed to obtain a material suitable for the manufacture of various trade items.

Natural red clay.

In nature, this clay has a greenish-brown color, which is given to it by iron oxide (Fe2O3), which makes up 5-8% of total mass. When fired, depending on the temperature or type of oven, the clay acquires a red or whitish color. It kneads easily and can withstand heating of no more than 1050-1100 C. The great elasticity of this type of raw material allows it to be used for working with clay plates or for modeling small sculptures.

White clay.

Its deposits are found all over the world. When wet, it is light gray, and after firing it becomes whitish or ivory. White clay is characterized by elasticity and translucency due to the absence of iron oxide in its composition.

Clay is used to make dishes, tiles, and plumbing items, or for crafts made from clay plates. Firing temperature: 1050-1150 °C. Before glazing, it is recommended to work in an oven at a temperature of 900-1000 °C. (Firing of unglazed porcelain is called bisque firing.)

Porous ceramic mass.

Clay for ceramics is white mass with moderate calcium content and increased porosity. Its natural color ranges from pure white to greenish-brown. Burns when low temperatures. Unfired clay is recommended, as for some glazes a single firing is not sufficient.

Majolica is a type of raw material made from fusible clay with increased content white alumina, fired at a low temperature and covered with a glaze containing tin.

The name "majolica" comes from the island of Mallorca, where it was first used by the sculptor Florentino Luca de la Robbia (1400-1481). Later this technique was widespread in Italy. Ceramic trade items made from majolica were also called earthenware, since their production began in workshops for the production of earthenware.

Stone ceramic mass.

The basis of these raw materials are fireclay, quartz, kaolin and feldspar. When wet it has a black-brown color, and after wet firing it has an ivory color. When applying glaze, stone ceramics are transformed into a durable, waterproof and fireproof product. It can be very thin, opaque or in the form of a homogeneous, densely sintered mass. Recommended firing temperature: 1100-1300 °C. If it is disturbed, the clay may crumble. The material is used in various technologies for making commercial pottery items from lamellar clay and for modeling. Trade items made of red clay and stone ceramics are distinguished depending on their technical properties.

Clay for porcelain trade objects consists of kaolin, quartz and feldspar. It does not contain iron oxide. When wet it has a light gray color, after firing it is white. Recommended firing temperature: 1300-1400 °C. This type of raw material is elastic. Working with it on a pottery wheel requires high technical costs, so it is better to use ready-made forms. This is a hard, non-porous clay (with low water absorption - Ed.). After firing, the porcelain becomes transparent. Glaze firing takes place at a temperature of 900-1000 °C.

Various porcelain trade items, molded and fired at 1400°C.

Large-pored, coarse-grained ceramic materials are used for the manufacture of large-sized commercial items in construction, small-form architecture, etc. These varieties can withstand high temperatures and thermal fluctuations. Their plasticity depends on the content of quartz and aluminum (silica and alumina - Ed.) in the rock. IN general structure a lot of alumina with a high chamotte content. The melting point ranges from 1440 to 1600 °C. The material sinteres well and shrinks slightly, therefore it is used to create large objects and large-format wall panels. When making artistic objects, the temperature should not exceed 1300°C.

This is a clay mass containing an oxide or colorful pigment, which is a homogeneous mixture. If, penetrating deep into the clay, part of the paint remains suspended, then the even tone of the raw material may be disrupted. Both colored and ordinary white or porous clay can be purchased in specialized stores.

Masses with colored pigment.

Pigments- This inorganic compounds, which color the clay and glaze. Pigments can be divided into two groups: oxides and colorants. Oxides are the main naturally occurring material that forms among rocks earth's crust, cleaned and sprayed. Most often used: copper oxide, which in the oxidizing firing environment takes green color; cobalt oxide, which produces blue tones; iron oxide, which gives blue tones when mixed with glaze, and earth tones when mixed with clay. Chromium oxide gives the clay an olive green color, magnesium oxide gives it brown and purple tones, and nickel oxide gives it a grayish-green color. All these oxides can be mixed with clay in a proportion of 0.5-6%. If their percentage is exceeded, the oxide will act as a flux, lowering the melting point of the clay. When painting trade items, the temperature should not exceed 1020 °C, otherwise firing will not produce results. The second group is dyes. They get them industrially or by mechanical processing of natural materials that present a full range of colors. Dyes are mixed with clay in a proportion of 5-20%, which determines the light or dark tone of the material. All specialized stores have an assortment of pigments and dyes for both clay and engobes.

Preparation of ceramic mass requires a lot of attention. It can be composed in two ways, which give absolutely different results. A more logical and reliable way: add dyes under pressure. A simpler and, of course, less reliable method: mix dyes into the clay by hand. The second method is used if there is no exact idea about the final coloring results or there is a need to repeat certain colors.

Technical ceramics.

Technical ceramics - large group ceramic trade items and materials obtained by heat treatment of a mass of a given chemical composition from mineral raw materials and other high-quality raw materials that have the necessary strength and electrical properties (high volumetric and surface resistance, high electrical strength, small dielectric loss tangent).

Cement production.

To make cement, calcium carbonate and clay are first extracted from quarries. Calcium carbonate (approximately 75% of the quantity) is crushed and thoroughly mixed with clay (approximately 25% of the mixture). The dosage of starting materials is an extremely difficult process, since the lime content must correspond specified quantity with an accuracy of 0.1%.

These ratios are defined in the specialized literature by the concepts of “calcareous”, “siliceous” and “alumina” modules. Because the chemical composition Due to the dependence of the starting raw materials constantly fluctuating due to their geological origin, it is easy to understand how difficult it is to maintain a constant modulus. In modern cement plants, computer control in combination with automatic analysis methods has proven itself well.

Properly composed sludge, prepared depending on the chosen technology (dry or wet method), is introduced into a rotary kiln (up to 200 m long and up to 2-7 m in diameter) and fired at a temperature of about 1450 °C - the so-called sintering temperature. At this temperature, the material begins to melt (sinter), it leaves the kiln in the form of more or less large lumps of clinker (sometimes called Portland cement clinker). Firing occurs.

As a result of these reactions, clinker materials are formed. After leaving the rotary kiln, the clinker enters the cooler, where it is sharply cooled from 1300 to 130 °C. After cooling, the clinker is crushed with a small addition of gypsum (maximum 6%). The size of cement grains ranges from 1 to 100 microns. It is better illustrated by the concept of “specific surface area”. If we sum up the surface area of ​​the grains in one gram of cement, then, depending on the grinding thickness of the cement, we get values ​​from 2000 to 5000 cm² (0.2-0.5 m²). The predominant part of cement in special containers is transported by road or rail. All overloads are performed pneumatically. A minority of cement products are delivered in moisture- and tear-resistant paper bags. Cement is stored at construction sites mainly in liquid and dry states.

Supporting Information.

Mother Earth fed and treated the peasant. People enjoyed it medicinal properties: sprinkled on wounds, protected from lightning.

People couldn’t do without clay at all.

The clay contains:

  • silicon;
  • calcium;
  • nitrogen;
  • iron;
  • magnesium;
  • potassium.

People in ancient times fought against poisoning, infections, cholera, and dysentery with the help of clay. Since it is an excellent antiseptic and adsorbent. I read the book and want to tell you, dear readers, recipes for treating clay.

Treatment of various diseases with clay

She was treated:

  • Skin diseases;
  • Atherosclerosis;
  • Adenoids;
  • Polyps;
  • Sinusitis;
  • Headache;
  • Mastopathy;
  • Kidney diseases;
  • Diabetes;
  • Haemorrhoids;
  • Bronchitis;
  • Pneumonia;
  • Tuberculosis;
  • Sore throat;
  • Varicose veins;
  • Various tumors;
  • Digestive diseases;
  • Chronic diseases of the spinal joints;
  • Sprain;
  • Hematomas;
  • Various injuries;
  • Gynecological diseases;
  • Cystitis.

IN Ancient Rus' clay was an indispensable medicine. Yellow clay was diluted with vinegar and made into a plaster to treat sprains.

If the lower back and joints hurt, they made a plaster from clay diluted in hot water and added a little kerosene.

The first heating pad was made of clay. It was a jug with a narrow neck, they poured into it hot water. Then the neck was tightly corked and applied to the sore spot.

Clay treatment and types

The color of clay is determined by its chemical composition.

Clay happens:

  • White;
  • Blue;
  • Green;
  • Red;
  • Gray;
  • Brown;
  • Yellow.

The rarest black one.

In medicine, white and blue clay are considered medicinal.

White clay removes toxins from the body and acts as an antiseptic.

Green clay contains copper, iron, and trace elements. Copper takes part in strengthening hair. If you want to stay young for a long time and not feel old, there should not be a lack of it in your body.

Yellow clay contains a lot of iron and potassium, while red clay contains iron impurities. It plays important role in the body, its deficiency leads to anemia. This clay has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

There is a lot of iron in green clay. It is used in the form aqueous solution and added to food. This clay is rare and useful; it improves the activity of the heart, increases the body’s resistance to external influences,

Red clay is simply a godsend for blood diseases: anemia, anemia. It supports the immune system and improves blood circulation.

There are many trace elements and mineral salts necessary for our body. This clay is very valuable. In ancient times it was sold for gold.

Doctors say that blue clay is a highly effective remedy that improves metabolism and enhances the effect of other types of treatment: herbal medicine, homeopathy.

The healing properties of clay.

  1. Contains many useful microelements and mineral salts.
  2. Absorbent action, it removes harmful substances from the body, kills bacteria.
  3. Thanks to radioactive radium, it has an antibacterial effect. All microbes and viruses die before such radiation.
  4. Renews cells.
  5. Radioactivity kills germs, toxins and resists new infections.

Taking clay internally.

Some doctors claim that only white clay is consumed internally.

The solution for clay treatment is prepared simply: pour a tablespoon of clay into a glass of water and mix with a wooden spoon. The spoon must be made of wood, since metal destroys the healing power of clay.

An adult needs two teaspoons of clay powder per day.

A week after taking it, toxins begin to come out, kidney and bladder stones dissolve.

Traditional clay treatments

Angina.

Dilute a teaspoon of clay in a glass of water. Gargle and drink the solution. You can let the kids suck on some clay with a slice of lemon. On early stages cold lotions applied to the lower abdomen are effective against the disease. First make a hot poultice: terry towel dipped in boiling water, squeezed out and immediately applied to the throat.

As soon as the towel has cooled, a cold clay lotion is applied to the throat and removed from the stomach. The procedures should be alternated throughout the day until the fever passes.

Atherosclerosis.

Clay renews cells and supplies the body with easily digestible trace elements and minerals. Therefore, it is recommended for atherosclerosis. Patients are advised to drink clay water. It removes excess acids, impurities, and toxins.

Insomnia.

Sometimes insomnia is difficult to overcome. ethnoscience I recommended applying compresses with vinegar to my feet. At the same time apply cold compresses to the forehead.

For insomnia associated with nervous tension, with excitement, clay with rose hips will help.

Prepare the drink:

  • dry rosehip powder;
  • powdered clay.

Mix everything. One teaspoon of the mixture is poured with warm water. Let it brew for a while and drink in small sips throughout the evening.

Heart diseases.

Rubbing the heart area with clay water helps a lot. Rubbing is done smoothly, without pressure, so that the skin under the hands becomes warm. When you feel warmth under your hands, the massage should be stopped.

For the following diseases, it is recommended to drink clay water mixed in equal quantities with hawthorn infusion:

  • neuroses of the heart;
  • hypertension;
  • heart rhythm disturbance;
  • vascular neuroses.

This drink has the following valuable properties:

  • slows down heart rate;
  • reduces cholesterol;
  • reduces blood pressure;
  • reduces swelling;
  • improves blood circulation in the blood vessels of the heart and brain.

Treatment of various diseases with clay

Warts.

This is a viral disease transmitted through household items through direct contact.

In this case, clay lotions with garlic or onions will help you. Chopped garlic mixed with melted lard and clay powder, applied to the wart every day.

The onion is first soaked in vinegar for several hours and then applied to the wart, sprinkled with dry clay, and wrapped in a bandage. Keep it on all night.

Varicose veins

Green clay helps well, but if you can’t find it, then any other one. You need to drink clay water and moisten the affected areas. You can add grated garlic to the water. Make lotions with liquid clay and garlic, tie a terry towel on top.

Hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse.

It is useful to drink clay powder internally.

Enemas made from a decoction of flaxseed mixed with clay water are effective. To prepare such a mixture, you need to boil a tablespoon of the seed in a liter of water and hold for 20 minutes on low heat. Then cool and mix with clay water.

An enema should not be done more than 4 times a week. During the period of clay treatment, give up meat dishes and switch to vegetarianism.

Headache.

Prepare an ointment: a little blue clay soaked in water and a few drops of vinegar. Everything is mixed and as soon as the mixture looks like an ointment, it is smeared on the feet. Then the feet are wrapped in cloth and warm socks are put on. They take it off in an hour.

Women's diseases.

For various types of bleeding, it is good to drink the drink. A pinch of dry shepherd's purse herb is infused in a glass of boiling water for two hours. Then a teaspoon of clay is added. Drink a tablespoon four times a day.

For female diseases (mastitis, mastopathy, irregular menstruation, vaginitis, inflammation, cysts, polyps), clay lotions are made on the chest and lower abdomen. Sometimes there are notes that compresses on the chest and stomach area can cause swelling and pain. But this is not confirmed by experts.

Clay treatment methods

Eye diseases.

Clay lotions on the eyes, forehead, temples, and back of the head will help relieve fatigue from the eyes.

A folk method for conjunctivitis: leave the clay in water for a while, then drain the water and put drops in your eyes. Then rinse your eyes.

Respiratory diseases.

Drink clay water twice a day, rub your chest with liquid clay mixed with crushed garlic for the following diseases:

  • bronchitis;
  • pneumonia;
  • cough;
  • pleurisy.

When coughing, lotions on the throat and chest are useful. You can also suck on a piece of clay.

For a runny nose, sinusitis, and sinusitis, lotions on the nose, forehead, and cheeks help. It is useful to rinse your nose with water and clay.

If you have a nosebleed, insert tampons soaked in clay water into your nostrils.

Diseases of the digestive system.

For gastritis, heartburn, peptic ulcers, intestinal colic, enterocolitis, and constipation, clay water will definitely help. It should be taken twice a day before meals. At night, lotions on the stomach are useful.

Once in gastrointestinal tract, radioactive clay particles act on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, which activates digestion and affects the activity of the whole body.

Clay has valuable qualities:

  • cleanses the stomach of toxins;
  • absorbs internal poisons and removes them;
  • kills all germs.

It will be more effective if you fast for several days before drinking clay water.

Kidney and bladder diseases.

By taking clay, you will cleanse your body of toxins. Lotions on the stomach stimulate the functioning of the bladder, lotions on the kidney area stimulate their function. After the first dose, the urine will become cloudy, thus removing toxins from the body.

Infectious diseases.

At various infections drink a teaspoon of clay water every half hour. Treat yourself until you recover.

Skin diseases.

Lotions with clay water are very helpful for eczema, psoriasis, abscesses, and burns.

You can also take a bath with added clay and, of course, drink clay water before meals. The bath tones, cleanses, improves blood circulation.

For psoriasis, a mixture of clay and salt, taken in equal proportions, helps well. Make powders.

Clay is used as a powder for ulcers, diaper rash, and burns. The skin is first moistened and then clay powder is poured.

Anemia.

Need to drink more water with clay. It replenishes minerals. If you drink this water for a week, the number of red blood cells in your body will increase.

After the course of treatment, the skin improves, the kidneys, liver, and gall bladder function better.

Calluses.

Regular lotions or adhesive plaster made from yellow clay help a lot. You can rub the calluses with garlic juice mixed with clay water.

Male diseases.

Traditional healers offer the following recipes for treating sexual impotence with clay.

  1. An infusion of dry golden root is poured with water in which clay is dissolved. Drink three tablespoons a day.
  2. An infusion of high zamanikha is prepared with clay water and drunk three times a day, a teaspoon 20 minutes before meals.
  3. An infusion of Leuzea safflower is drunk twice a day.

Nervous disorders.

Rubbing the spine with clay and taking it orally helps a lot. You need to drink water three times a day for 20 days, then a break for 10 days.

You can wrap it with a sheet soaked in clay water. Cover with a blanket and wait 2 hours.

Conclusion: traditional healers claim that clay treatment is very effective. But before starting such treatment, you should definitely consult with your doctor; you may have contraindications.

Best regards, Olga