It is a mineral that is composed of aluminum silicates, hydrated elements to which it owes its pasty consistency. It can be produced by different decomposed rocks, among which is granite. The colors it presents may vary; For the most part, orange tones can be noticed if it contains many impurities, but it can be white if it is totally pure. The particles that form it are very small, at least 0.002mm thick.
One of its most outstanding characteristics is that it can acquire elasticity if it is joined with a little water, in addition to that it can become a piece with enough consistency if it is dried or heated to temperatures above 800 ºC.
The ancients used it to create figurines and utensils, which had the mission of enriching their culture. With it, ceramics, vases, containers, pans and even musical instruments are made specifically. It is a mineral of quite frequent use and of accessible price. It is an important material in the production of papers and cement.
Likewise, it can be classified into: primary clay, it is one that can be located in its area of origin, however, there is only one known exponent of this type and that is kaolin; secondary clay, on the other hand, are those that cannot be found in their place of origin, as they are mobilized by various factors. They can be divided according to their composition (Filipino clays and fibrous clays), plasticity (plastic and not very plastic), in addition to calcareous clays, declassification clays, with blocks and clayey schists.
