Geology and Application of Clays Used in Castellon Ceramic Cluster (NE, Spain)

The general characteristics and technological properties of ceramic clays used in the Spanish ceramic cluster (Castellón province), have been investigated. Red clays for ceramic wall tiles and floor tiles are mainly extracted in the Valencian Community, in Villar del Arzobispo, La Yesa, Chulilla, Alcora (Más Vell) and San Juan de Moró, although there is a small proportion coming from Teruel province. An important group of clay raw materials used in the ceramic cluster of Castellón, in Spain, occurs in Permo-Triassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments. These clays are intended for applications in stoneware. Clays were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, chemical composition, particle size distribution, thermal analysis and plasticity. Ceramic bodies were fired at temperatures varying from 850 to 1150ºC to determine the linear shrinkage, water absorption and flexural rupture strength.