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These cone 6 glazes are the same (G3806G), except the one on the right has 3.5% copper carbonate added. Copper is commonly fluxes glazes, making them melt more. But in this case it is not, the clear base is running just as much as the stained one. Either the percentage is not high enough or the host transparent glaze is resistant. Another observation: I was suspicious that the micro-bubbles in the glass matrix were coming from the copper carbonate gassing during firing. But not so, as you can see on this melt fluidity tester, the flow on the left has many more (it appears less melted because of this). In this specific glaze it seems probable that the copper bubbles (generated as it decomposes) act as a fining agent to coagulate and help clear the others.
Glossary |
Melt Fluidity
Ceramic glazes melt and flow according to their chemistry, particle size and mineralogy. Observing and measuring the nature and amount of flow is important in understanding them. |
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Materials |
Copper Carbonate
A source of CuO copper oxide used in ceramic glazes to produce a variety of colors (used only or with other colorants). |
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