Cresta BB

Alternate Names: Gulgong clay

Oxide	Analysis	Formula
CaO	0.10%	0.01
K2O	0.20%	0.01
MgO	0.50%	0.05
Na2O	0.30%	0.02
TiO2	1.00%	0.05
Al2O3	25.60%	1.00
SiO2	63.10%	4.18
Fe2O3	0.61%	0.02
LOI	8.60%	n/a
Oxide Weight		364.21
Formula Weight		398.48

Notes

The mine at Gulgong, NSW, Australia, produced a white, plastic raw clay that was used by many people (and manufacturers) to make clay bodies of many types (especially stoneware). It was prized as the best combination of whiteness and plasticity available in the country. It has a very low iron content and very low concentration of fluxes.

In 2015 it was determined to be uneconomic by the manufacturer so not more stockpiles have been made. In addition the last of the stockpiled Gulgong clay appears to be slightly different (less white and plastic). As a result companies had to reformulate their bodies, often the replacement being of lower quality.

Related Information

Gulgong Clay from NSW, Australia

Prized for its whiteness and plasticity. A base for many stonewares.

By Tony Hansen
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