71 - Fire Clay

Hello friends, Welcome to the Mineral Repository at the Department of Geology, Shivaji Science College, Nagpur. 

I am fire clay, I am a clay mineral. I am massive in form and I have variable colors such as white, yellow,  according to my mineral composition. I have white streak. I am primarily consisting of hydrated aluminum silicates, with varying proportions of other minerals such as quartz, mica  and feldspar. I am highly resistant to heat. I can withstand temperatures up to 1600⁰C without deforming and melting. I have low thermal conductivity, so I am a good insulator. I am highly plastic, I can get molded easily in any shape when wet. I generally occur in the regions with extensive coal deposits, I am associated with coal seams. I am a crucial component in the production of refractory bricks. Due to my high plasticity and resistance to heat I am ideal for crafting pottery, ceramic tiles and other ceramic products. I am also used in the construction of chimneys and fireplaces. Thank you for visiting.