Potential of clay deposits in Kelantan for ceramic production: a literature analysis

Kelantan state, regarded as the cradle of Malay culture is not only known for her unique cultural heritage, but also a land blessed with both metallic and non-metallic minerals. These include enormous clay deposits discovered in six (6) districts with estimated total reserve of 29.4 million tonnes of ball clay and 51.5 million tonnes of mottled clay. Hence, this paper investigates the physiochemical and mineralogical properties of the clay deposits. This was achieved by reviewing existing literatures and reports at the Mineral and Geoscience Department, Malaysia. The properties investigated were green and fired clay colour, plasticity, green strength, dry and fired shrinkage, porosity, chemical and mineral composition. The properties of the clay revealed that they have geographical IP potential; particularly, the predominantly off-white fired colour of the ball clay at temperature range of 900-11000C can secure an identity for Kelantan ceramics in the local, national or international market. Based on these properties, the ball clay is applicable for table ware, earthenware and local tile production while the mottled clay has a potential use for vitrified clay pipe, local tile and brick production.