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features archive pottery video archive browse topics glossary faq about us This ceramics glossary is compiled from information found in Vince Pitelka's Clay: A Studio Handbook.

In clay and glaze chemistry, the glass-formers, which combine with bases (fluxes) and neutrals (refractories or stabilizers). Source: Clay: A Studio Handbook

A wood-extract product used as a clay additive to give greater plasticity, increase dry strength, and improve workability. Especially effective in bodies with a high percentage of kaolins. Does not change color of clay. Source: Clay: A Studio Handbook

Wares featuring swirling marbleized colors, resulting either from surface slip effects or marbleized colored clays.

Industrial method used in processing of raw clays, where powdered clay is floated in an airstream to settle out heavier particles. Source: Clay: A Studio Handbook

Castable refractory or mortar, which becomes hard and strong while still damp as a result chemical interaction with water. Source: Clay: A Studio Handbook

Adjustable shutter on the rear opening of an atmospheric burner, or on the blower intake of a power burner, used to regulate entrainment of primary air. Source: Clay: A Studio Handbook

Traditional dark brown slip clay used as liner-glaze in high-fired Early American wares. No longer being mined—use Alberta slip. Source: Clay: A Studio Handbook

Substitute for Albany slip. Highly fluxed with iron—true slip clay—will form glaze at HT. Source: Clay: A Studio Handbook