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: re: minerals

updated mon 5 jun 00

 

iandol on sat 3 jun 00


Carrie

Had a similar thought about ten years ago. The ideal mineral or gemstone =
for this is corundum, better know as Sapphire and Ruby. Being almost =
pure Alumina they would resist the heat and be compatible with both clay =
and glaze. Can you imagine some porcelain pieces with few high carat =
faceted stones of various cuts set into the surface. About the others. =
Might pay to check in a good mineralogy book and look for the results of =
the fusion test which is used in identifying minerals. Not all minerals =
are stable when heated even thought their colour may be attractive. I =
have cold set a few faux gems onto pots to give them a sparkle but would =
not do it as a regular thing. Adds interest, then becomes banal. I do =
like low fired clay which has natural mica in it. The variegated sparkle =
is fascinating but lost when glazed.

Let us know how you get on with your experiments.

Ivor Lewis. in South Australia.