Ball Clay
Ball clay is a kaolinitic sedimentary fine-grained clay that imparts plasticity to ceramics
WHAT IS
Ball Clay?
Ball clay is a sedimentary rock known for its plasticity and strength when dried. Covia offers ball clay products for ceramic production, from floor tiles to sanitary ware and tableware, brick production, and plastic forming and extrusion operations.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Ball clay consists mainly of kaolinite with mica and quartz. When moist, it typically exhibits a dark gray color, turning to a lighter shade upon firing. The clay is known for its exceptional strength and flexibility.
WHERE DOES BALL CLAY
Come From?
Ball clay deposits primarily result from sedimentation in ancient rivers and deltas, forming through long geological processes. Covia mines ball clay at our facilities in Troup, Texas, and Huntingburg, Indiana. These deposits, dating back millions of years, exhibit characteristics specific to their formation environments, significantly impacting their suitability for different industrial applications. Covia offers a range of ball clay products tailored to industry needs:
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PREMIERE® Ceramic pressing clay for pressed and extruded ceramic processes, produced in Huntingburg, Indiana and Troup, Texas and Hephzibah, GA
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VANTAGE® clay blends for plastic forming and extrusion, produced in Huntingburg, Indiana and Troup, Texas
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VANTAGE® Specialty grade fire clays for foundry green sand systems, produced in Huntingburg, Indiana
Planning /
Geology
Covia carefully manages the extraction and processing of ball clay, ensuring consistent quality and product performance. The raw material is processed through shredding and rotary drying operations to reach the target moisture content and particle size. Covia’s Quality Improvement Program (QIPSM) is followed at all stages to ensure consistent product quality. Our robust logistics capabilities, including strategic facility locations and direct rail access, provide efficient and cost-effective delivery options to our customers.
Mythbusters
Applications /
Markets
Sustainability
Message
At our Troup, Texas, plant, we identified clays unsuitable for tile manufacturing and determined they were well-suited for brick production. Since 2022, we have partnered with a local brick manufacturer to utilize these materials, optimizing mine development and reducing the need for additional mining activities specifically for brick production.
At our Huntingburg, Indiana site, we have conducted reclamation projects since 2017, transforming former clay mining areas into productive agricultural land. This involved community collaboration, precise land grading, soil replenishment, vegetation planting and invasive species management.
Fascinating
Facts
Ball clay enhances floor tile.
Due to its plasticity and fine particle size, ball clay adds elasticity to ceramic tile. This means that an object is less likely to break when it hits the floor.
Fascinating
Facts
Ball clay has ancient ties.
Ball clay has been used for pottery since ancient times due to its workability, strength and light color upon firing.
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