Clay (ceramics)

Clay in ceramics is a natural fine-grained material composed mainly of minerals like kaolinite, which becomes malleable when wet. It is shaped through techniques such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, or mold-molding, and then fired at high temperatures to harden into durable objects like pots, sculptures, and tiles. The firing process transforms the clay through chemical changes, resulting in a vitreous, non-porous material. Clay's plasticity when moist and its capability to retain detail make it an essential medium for artistic and functional ceramic works.