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source for chemical analyses + helmer update

updated thu 30 may 02

 

Michael Wendt on wed 29 may 02


Dear Group,
At the urging of many, I have had a current analysis for Helmer done so the
glaze calculation software would be correct. The analysis was done by ALS
Chemex,
994 Glendale Ave., Unit 3
Sparks , NV 89431
USA
Cost= $20.00 for lab fee plus $25.00 per sample. I sent them four samples of
Helmer selected at random and the results are below:
SiO2=47.19 Al2O3=32.24 BaO=0.04 CaO=0.16
Cr2O3=<0.01 Fe2O3=1.19 K2O=0.40 MgO=0.13 MnO=0.03
Na2O=0.01 P2O5=0.04 SrO=<0.01 TiO2=1.40
LOI=14.93 total=99.76
The higher LOI is attributed to the presence of slightly more organic matter
in this area of the deposit. My wet screen analysis showed that about 2% of
the coarse ground clay will not pass through a 325 mesh screen. That screen
out material had the following analysis:
SiO2=67.62 Al2O3=19.42 BaO=0.08 CaO=0.11
Cr2O3=<0.01 Fe2O3=0.80 K2O=1.83 MgO=0.11 MnO=0.04
Na2O=0.16 P2O5=0.02 SrO=<0.01 TiO2=0.59 LOI=7.83
total=98.61
You can see from this that there is almost no flux in the clay which
explains why it is so refractory and the particle size for the clay is very
small with all the coarse material turning out to be similar in composition
to the Moose Creek Feldspar which is the source material for the sedimentary
Helmer deposit.
Additional news,
Be sure to delete this message now if you think it is a commercial...

but if you want to know how to get the clay and help support the growth of
its use, read on:
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the following new suppliers have bought and agreed to stock Helmer in your
area:
Sheffield Pottery, Sheffield MA
Highwater Clays, Asheville, NC
Continental Clays, Minneapolis, MN
In the 3 state area CA AZ NV Industrial Minerals of Sacramento just got a
100 ton rail car and in the Midwest, Columbus Clay just got a 20 ton rail
piggyback container. If any of you know a dealer in your area that you would
like to have carry Helmer, please have them call me.
Sorry if this seems like a commercial, but I want Helmer to be available for
as long as people want to do clay. The mining contractor has a minimum
amount that he will go into the field and dig (500 tons) so we need to sell
at least that much each year to keep the clay available and you can help, if
you want. I use it and like it. You might too.
Regards and thanks,
Michael Wendt wendtpot@lewiston.com
Wendt Pottery
2729 Clearwater Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
1-208-746-3724
wendtpottery.com