Clay (minerals): types, properties and applications

clay - minerals that are widely used in various spheres of life.This is quite complicated rock may be represented by different composition and properties.Conditions of formation of different types of clays also differ greatly.

What is clay?

Geological science studies rock for quite some time.Scientists have found that clay is not contaminated by foreign matter, and is composed of small particles.Diameter of dust does not exceed 0.01 mm.It particles which belong to a certain group of minerals.It is not accidental use of clay is widely spread.The rock is an intricate chemical compound, which consists of water, silicon and aluminum.

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

Properties clay

any properties of the rock are totally dependent on the composition.Is no exception and clay.What matters is also the value of the constituent particles.When mixed with water rock capable of forming a viscous dough.This property is widely used in various spheres of life.Clay swells in water.Because of this it can be used very sparingly.The raw clay dough is able to save completely any form.Change nothing can be after hardening.A product that could save a long time, it fired.Under the influence of high-temperature clay becomes even stronger and more durable.

If we describe the basic properties of clay, one can not forget about the water-resistant nature.After saturation of the rock particles of the desired amount of liquid, it no longer passes through the moisture.This property is also widely used in building.

Some clays are able to clean the oil.These properties of the clay used for refining vegetable oils and fats.In this way people can use the products without harmful impurities.Clay absorbs fluid from the harmful substances that can harm health.For this reason, certain types of rocks used in cosmetology.

What are the clay?

In nature, there are many types of clays.All of them have been applied in a particular sphere of life.Kaolin - clay light shade, which has a lower ductility compared to other species.Such a breed most often used in the paper industry, as well as in the manufacture of pottery.

deserves special attention refractory clay.This material is white or light gray, which can withstand temperatures of over 1500 degrees during firing.The high temperature refractory clay is not softened and do not lose their useful properties.The rock is widely used in the manufacture of porcelain, as well as decoration.Popular considered wall tiles made of refractory clay.

Molding clay can also be fired at sufficiently high temperatures.They are characterized by high ductility.Such clays can be used in the refractory industry.With the help of the special binders made molds for casting metal.

The most commonly used building cement clay.This substance greyish with a mixture of magnesium.The clay used to make various finishing products, as well as a bridge during construction.

How and where to extract the clay?

clay - minerals, which today is not rare.The substance can be extracted without any problem from the ground.It is easiest to detect a substance in those areas where previously flowing river.Clay is considered to be a product of sedimentary rock and the earth's crust.In the industrial scale production of clay made using excavators.The machine cuts off large sections of land.Thus it is possible to extract more minerals.The problem is that in most cases the clay layers occurs.

place for the extraction of clay are whole career.The work begins with the removal of topsoil.In most cases, the clay can be detected at a distance of two feet from the top.Usually easy to work the soil.The clay can be on the surface.In some cases, useful minerals may be found under the ground water.In this case, the team establishes a special drainage to drain water.

Winter is not an obstacle for the extraction of the rock.To avoid freezing of the soil it insulated with sawdust and other materials with low thermal conductivity.The thickness of the insulation is sometimes as high as 50 cm. And is protected from freezing already mined clay.It covered with tarpaulins or other similar material that is able to keep the right temperature until as clay will be delivered to the warehouse.

clay construction

clay in the construction industry began to be used from the first days of its opening.Today, the material is widely used for construction of houses in the southern regions.Due to the properties of fossil in the houses cool in summer and warm in winter and comfortable.For manufacturing blocks take only little sand, clay and straw.After hardening obtained durable building material that defies natural factors.

What better clay for building houses specialists answer unequivocally.The most suitable is the cement clay.This material is also quite often made the facing tiles.With this decoration can not only decorate the room, but also to protect it from fire.After the cement is still clay and refractory.

Ware from clay

Cutlery clay - is not only beautiful, but also useful.The material is environmentally friendly.Do not be afraid that the dishes under high temperature will allocate harmful substances.The use of clay many people associate it with the production of plates, and pots and vases.Today dishes made from this material in an industrial scale.Anyone can purchase a service of high quality material, which can serve for a long time.

much more prized handmade.Nestle whole exhibition, in which the master can boast their products.Here you can buy high-quality pottery.The main thing is that the product is made in a single copy.But the price is appropriate.

clay modeling with the children

Production of various products with clay can be a very exciting and fun activity for the child.Modeling helps mental development, improve children's motor skills of hands.The kid could be a fantasy for your pleasure.What can be made of clay, always prompt parents.

clay modeling requires careful preparation.It should be remembered that not every clothing may be removed by from the mineral.And be sure to put the baby spot.Therefore, the baby is dressed in a working form, and to lay the table with oilcloth.What can be done from clay in the first place?The first step is to mold simple oval figures.It can be funny animals or men.With an older child will be able to make a plate and spoon.After hardening the product can be painted.It will look original, and will remain for a long time.But it is worth remembering that without firing clay is quite fragile.

use of clay in medicine

Even in ancient times people have noticed the beneficial properties of clay and began to use them for medicinal purposes.Some kinds of minerals have anti-inflammatory action.Because of this, they are used to treat various skin diseases.Clay quickly helps with burns, acne and eczema.But to engage in self-medicate in any case impossible.Certain types of clays have different properties.Only a specialist will be able to choose the right material and cause it right on the sore spot.Without the necessary knowledge and skills can be applied only harm.

clay - minerals, which is the source of many minerals, vitamins and trace elements.Some species of rock can be taken also inside.This clay is an excellent source of radium.At the same time the body to absorb the amount of nutrients that is necessary for normal life.

Clay is able to withdraw from the blood of toxins and normalize metabolism.Because of this useful mineral often used in various kinds of poisoning.The powder is taken orally in small quantities with water.However, for therapeutic purposes can be used only certain types of clay.

Clay cosmetology

many girls to improve appearance is often used cosmetic clay.Useful fossil able to even out skin tone, face rid of acne and fat from the hips.In cosmetology used for various kinds of clay.All of them have their own characteristics and properties.

for facial rejuvenation is most commonly used white clay mineral resource.Photos of women who have used this product for improved facial impressive.Mimic wrinkles really smoothed and age spots disappear completely.Girls with oily skin and large pores and perfect white clay.Properties and application of material - information that can be found on the packaging.But to use any clay is better, after consultation with the beautician.

Application of blue clay

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

With blue clay can also make the skin lighter.10 procedures to help for a long time to get rid of freckles and age spots.In addition, blue clay perfectly smoothes superficial wrinkles.

Green clay

This material is also widely used in cosmetics.Green clay has excellent adsorbent properties.Because of this it is possible to quickly rid the body of harmful substances and toxins.The clay can be applied both on the face and on the whole body.

popular are wraps with green clay.Useful fossil helps restore the body's water balance and remove the excess moisture.This feature helps the girls to get rid of cellulite and makes the skin smooth and even.

Red clay

most optimal for people who are prone to allergic reactions to red clay.This material has a particular group due to its content of copper and iron oxide.Only the extracted substance can not immediately be used in cosmetology.Production of clay for a variety of masks - a laborious process.With special attention is ready to use just the red clay.The breed is cleared of various impurities that may be harmful to the skin.

Masks made of red clay perfectly removes redness and irritation of the skin.The material is also widely used in medicine.Red clay promotes rapid healing of wounds, and postoperative scars makes it less noticeable.