Helmer Kaolin

Alternate Names: Helmar Kaolin

Description: Helmer clay

Oxide	Analysis	Formula
CaO	0.48%	0.02
K2O	0.53%	0.02
MgO	0.26%	0.02
Na2O	0.08%	-
TiO2	1.13%	0.04
Al2O3	36.00%	1.00
SiO2	46.00%	2.17
Fe2O3	1.30%	0.02
LOI	13.22%	n/a
Oxide Weight		243.04
Formula Weight		280.07

Notes

A kaolin deposit near Helmer, Idaho (US) that has been developed and promoted by Michael Wendt since the mid seventies. Helmer clay is used primarily for its 'flashing' properties in wood firing. Mr. Wendt prepares it using a wet process that removes soluble and iron particulate impurities.

Plainsman Clays sells the same material under the name "Troy Clay". Plainsman hammermills the raw product to about 40 mesh, a finer grade than the one from Mr. Wendt.

Related Information

Links

Articles	Rationalizing Conflicting Opinions About Plasticity How can two potters have completely different opinions about the plasticity and workability characteristics of the same clay body
URLs	https://plainsmanclays.com/data/index.php?product=12909 Helmer Kaolin Data Sheet
Materials	Kaolin The purest of all clays in nature. Kaolins are used in porcelains and stonewares to impart whiteness, in glazes to supply Al2O3 and to suspend slurries.
Typecodes	Kaolin Pure clay mineral, there are many brand names of varying purity and iron content.

By Tony Hansen
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