Clay (mineral): types, properties and applications

Clay is a mineral that has found wide application in various spheres of life. This rather complex rock can be represented by different composition and properties. Conditions for the formation of different types of clays are also significantly different.

What is clay?

Geological science has been studying rock for a long time. Scientists have found that clay, not contaminated with foreign impurities, consists of small particles. The diameter of the dust does not exceed 0.01 mm. These are particles that belong to a certain group of minerals. It is no coincidence that the use of clay has become widespread. Rock is an intricate chemical compound, which includes water, silicon and aluminum.

Clays under the influence of a liquid change their properties. Depending on the amount of water that is added to the rock particles, a plastic mass or lime may be formed. The liquid with the addition of clay has a high degree of viscosity. This property is widely used in construction and repair areas.

Properties of clays

The properties of any rock are completely dependent on the composition. Clay is not an exception. The value of the constituent particles is also important. In a mixture with water, the rock is capable of forming a viscous dough. This property is widely used in various spheres of life. The clay swells in the water. Due to this, it can be used very sparingly. In its raw form, clay dough is able to preserve absolutely any shape. You can not change anything after freezing. And that the product could be preserved for a long time, it is burned. Under the influence of high temperatures, the clay becomes even stronger and stronger.

If we describe the basic properties of clay, we can not help but mention waterproofness. After the particles are saturated with the proper amount of liquid, it no longer passes moisture through itself. This property is also widely used in construction.

Separate grades of clay are capable of purifying petroleum products. The same properties of clay are used for cleaning vegetable fats and oils. Thanks to this, people can consume products without harmful impurities. Clay absorbs harmful substances from the liquid , which can harm the health. For the same reason, certain types of rocks are used in cosmetology.

What are the clays?

In nature, there is a huge number of clay species. All of them have found their application in this or that sphere of life. Kaolin is a light-colored clay that has less plasticity than other species. It is this breed that is most often used in the paper industry, as well as in the manufacture of dishes.

Separate attention deserves clay fireproof. This substance is white or light gray, which can withstand temperatures above 1500 degrees during firing. Under the influence of high temperature, the refractory clay does not soften and does not lose its useful properties. Rock is widely used in the manufacture of porcelain products, as well as when decorating rooms. Popular is considered facing tiles made of fireproof clay.

Forming clays can also be fired at a sufficiently high temperature. They differ in their increased plasticity. Such a fireproof clay can be used in metallurgy. With its help, special binding molds for metal casting are made.

In construction, cement clays are most often used. These are substances of a grayish shade with an admixture of magnesium. Clay is used for the manufacture of various finishing products, as well as as a link in the construction work.

How and where do they extract clay?

Clay is a mineral that is not rare today. The substance can be extracted from the ground without problems. It is easiest to find the substance in the places where the rivers had previously flowed. Clay is considered a product of sedimentary rocks and the earth's crust. On an industrial scale, clay is mined by excavators. The machine cuts large layers of earth. This way you can get much more useful minerals. The problem is that the clay in most cases lies in layers.

Places for mining clay are entire careers. Work begins with the removal of the topsoil. Most often, clay can be found already at a distance of half a meter from the top. Usually, soil is easy to treat. Clay can be on the surface itself. In some cases, the mineral can be found under groundwater. In this case, the team establishes a special drainage for the diversion of water.

Winter is not an obstacle for the mining of rock. To prevent the soil from freezing it is insulated with sawdust and other substances with a low level of thermal conductivity. The thickness of the insulation sometimes reaches 50 cm. The clay is also protected from freezing. It is covered with tarpaulins or other similar material that can hold the desired temperature until the clay is delivered to the warehouse.

Clay in construction

In the construction sphere, clay began to be used from the very first days of its discovery. Today, the material is widely used for the construction of houses in the southern regions. Due to the properties of the fossil in the houses in the summer it is cool, and in winter it is warm and cozy. For the production of blocks take only a little sand, clay and straw. After solidification, a strong building material is obtained, which is not amenable to any natural factors.

What is the best clay for the construction of houses specialists answer unequivocally. The most suitable is cement clay. This material is also often made with facing tiles. With this decoration, you can not only decorate the room, but also protect it from fire. After all, cement clay is also fireproof.

Dishes from clay

Cutlery made of clay is not only beautiful, but also useful. The material is environmentally friendly. Do not be afraid that the dishes under the influence of high temperature will release harmful substances to health. The use of clay in many is associated with the manufacture of plates, pots and vases. Today, utensils made of this material are manufactured on an industrial scale. Everyone can purchase a service from quality material that can last for a long time.

Much more valued handmade. There are whole exhibitions where the masters can boast of their products. Here you can buy quality pottery. The main thing is that the product is made in a single copy. But the price will be appropriate.

Clay modeling with children

Making various products with clay can be very exciting and fun for the child. The modeling contributes to mental development, improves the motor skills of children's hands. A kid can show imagination for his pleasure. And what can be done from clay, parents always prompt.

The modeling of clay requires careful preparation. It should be remembered that not all clothes can be washed from the mineral. A child will put a stain. Therefore, the baby should dress in a working form, and lay the table with an oilcloth. What can be done from clay in the first place? First of all, simple oval figures should be sculpted. These can be animals or funny people. With an older child, it will be possible to make a plate and a spoon. After hardening, the product can be painted. It will look original and can be preserved for a long time. But it's worth remembering that clay without roasting is fragile enough.

Application of clay in medicine

In ancient times, people noticed the useful properties of clay and began to use them for medicinal purposes. Some types of mineral have anti-inflammatory effect. Due to this, they are used to treat various skin diseases. Clay quickly helps to cope with burns, blackheads and eczema. But self-medication can not be done in any case. Some types of clay have different properties. Only a specialist will be able to pick up the right material and apply it correctly to a sore spot. Without the necessary knowledge and skills, harm can only be done.

Clay is a mineral that is the source of many minerals, vitamins and trace elements. Some varieties of rock can also be taken inside. Clay is an excellent source of radium. In this case, the body absorbs the amount of useful substance that is necessary for normal life.

Clay is able to remove toxins from the blood, as well as normalize the metabolism. Due to this property, a mineral is often used for various types of poisoning. Powder is taken orally in small amounts, washed down with water. But for therapeutic purposes only some types of clay can be used.

Clay in Cosmetology

Many girls often use cosmetic clay to improve their appearance. Minerals can smooth the skin tone, relieve the face of acne, and thighs from fat deposits. Various types of clay are used for cosmetic purposes. They all have their own characteristics and properties.

For the rejuvenation of the face, white mineral clay is most often used. Photos of women who used this product to improve the face, are impressive. Mimic wrinkles are really smoothed out, and pigmented spots disappear completely. Girls with oily skin and large pores also will be fine with white clay. Properties and application of the substance - information that can be read on the packaging. But using any clay is better after consulting with a beautician.

Application of blue clay

This rock has good anti-inflammatory properties. It consists of salts and minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands. Masks made of blue clay should be made to people who are prone to skin rashes. With the help of a natural substance, acne and comedones are perfectly treated.

With the help of blue clay, you can also make the skin more light. 10 procedures will help for a long time to get rid of freckles and age spots. In addition, the blue clay perfectly smoothes shallow facial wrinkles.

Green Clay

This substance is also widely used in cosmetology. Green clay possesses excellent adsorbent properties. Thanks to this, it is possible to quickly cleanse the body of harmful substances and toxins. Clay can be applied to both the face and the whole body.

Wraps using green clay are popular. Mineral helps restore the body's water balance and remove excess moisture. This property helps girls get rid of cellulite, and also make the skin smoother and smoother.

Red clay

The most optimal for people who have a tendency to allergic reactions, there will be red clay. This substance has a special shade due to the content of copper and iron oxide in it. Only the extracted substance can not be used immediately in cosmetology. Making clay for different masks is a laborious process. With special attention, red clay is being prepared for use. The breed is cleared of various harmful impurities, which can harm the skin.

Masks made of red clay perfectly remove redness and skin irritation. The material is widely used also in medicine. Red clay contributes to the early healing of wounds, and postoperative scars makes less visible.