Calcium carbonate is one of the most essential and versatile ingredients in ceramics, performing multiple functions in glazes and clay bodys. As a flux, it helps to reduce the melting temperature, facilitating the vitrification process and providing durability and resistance to the glaze surface.
In addition, calcium carbonate improves the workability and plasticity of clay bodys, making them more workable and increasing their modeling capacity and resistance during the drying process.
It also has degassing properties, reducing the possibility of bubble formation and surface defects during firing, contributing to a cleaner and more professional finish in the final piece.
Interesting Fact
Calcium carbonate occurs naturally in minerals such as calcite and limestone, and its use in ceramics dates back thousands of years, when potters extracted it directly from nature.
Helpful Tip
When using calcium carbonate in your glazes, keep in mind that it can increase the viscosity of the liquid glaze, so it is important to control its quantity to avoid a too thick application.
