Abstract: In order to scientifically exploit and utilize clay resources in Rongchang area, basic properties of Rongchang clay were tested by XRD, XRF, slice analysis and other analysis techniques, and the mineral properties of Rongchang clay were compared with those of other areas, so as to provide scientific basis for exploitation and utilization of the clay resources in Rongchang area. The results show that the clay in this area belongs to siliceous weathered sandy mud and shale rocks. The main chemical composition of clay is SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃, in which the SiO₂ content is relatively high. The forming property is good through the basic formula pottery test. Quartz is the main crystal facies of the clay mine in this area, followed by kaolinite and muscovite. The sintering temperature range of single clay raw material is between 1 080 ℃ and 1 150 ℃. The water absorption of Gufoshan shale (1#), Rongchang white sand (2#), Rongchang white mud (3#) and Taodu two mine No.3 (8#) clay is close to 0%, which belongs to the state of porcelain or overburning, and has certain fluxibility. The water absorption of Guangfu yellow sand (5#), Taodu two mine No.1 (6#) and Taodu two mine No.2 (7#) clay is high, and most of them are sandy clay. The plasticity of the clay in this area is slightly lower than that of Yixing Zisha. In addition, the content of heavy metals in Rongchang clay is small, which is not enough to cause the damage of heavy metals dissolution in ceramic products.

Key words: Rongchang clay mine, mineral property, chemical composition, processing property, heavy metal