Saying it with clay

The Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute's Naroda Centre in Gujarat has devised a new process to develop superior black pottery from common clay. Under a project sponsored by the Rural Technology Institute, Gujarat, common clay is toned with a thin, glossy layer called 'kabij' which is made up of minerals like illite and sericite. It is then mixed with additives and allowed to dry. Later, the dried mixture is dispersed in water containing sodium hexameta phosphate or sodium carbonate. An efficient low-cost kiln has also been developed by the same unit that can heat upto 900C which will be beneficial to the rural potters.