Introduction
Have you ever been digging in your backyard, maybe planting a garden or starting a small construction project, and stumbled upon something unexpected? That’s exactly what happened to me! While working on my garden bed, I hit something different – it felt smoother, denser, and… well, like nothing I’d ever encountered before. After a bit more digging, I realized what it was: clay!
Clay, that marvelous substance that’s been used for thousands of years to create pottery, build homes, and even heal, was right there beneath my feet. The sheer potential of it was thrilling. But then the questions started popping up: What kind of clay is it? Is it good for anything? How do I even begin to use it?
This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to navigating that exciting moment of discovery. We’ll explore how to identify the clay you found underground, run some simple tests to assess its quality, and dive into a range of potential uses for your newfound treasure. From crafting unique pottery pieces to adding a natural touch to your garden, the possibilities are truly endless.
The Discovery: How I Found the Clay
Let me paint you a picture of the day I unearthed my own little clay deposit. I was working in my backyard, preparing a new space for a vegetable garden. The soil in my area is generally sandy and drains very quickly, so I wasn’t expecting anything particularly interesting. I was digging down around a foot or so when my shovel hit something significantly harder and denser than the loose topsoil.
At first, I thought it might be a large rock, but as I dug around it, I realized it was a mass of smooth, reddish-brown material. The surrounding soil was a typical sandy loam, but this clay was distinctly different. It was moist to the touch, and had a particular earthy smell that I couldn’t quite place.
My initial reaction was a mix of curiosity and excitement. I’d always admired pottery and ceramic art, and the idea of having a natural resource right in my own backyard was incredibly appealing. The possibilities began swirling in my head.
Identifying the Clay: Is It Really Clay?
So, you’ve found something that looks like clay. But how do you know for sure? There are a few simple ways to identify clay based on its appearance and feel.
Let’s start with a visual examination. The color of clay can vary widely, depending on the minerals present in the soil. Red clay, like what I found, often indicates the presence of iron oxide. Gray or white clay might contain kaolin or other lighter-colored minerals. Darker clays can sometimes contain organic matter. The color isn’t the only important factor.
Next, pay close attention to the texture. Clay should feel smooth and slightly sticky when wet. It should also be plastic, meaning it can be easily molded and shaped without crumbling.
Simple Tests You Can Do
Here are a few simple tests you can do to confirm your suspicions:
- The Feel Test: Take a small handful of the material and wet it with water. Rub it between your fingers. Does it feel smooth and pliable, or gritty and sandy? True clay should have a characteristic slippery feel. Now, let it dry completely. Does it become hard and compact?
- The Ribbon Test: Roll a small amount of the wet clay between your palms to form a coil or ribbon. If you can create a ribbon that’s several inches long without it breaking apart, that’s a good sign that you have a high-clay content. The longer and thinner the ribbon, the more plastic the clay is.
- The Ball Test: Roll some of the wet clay into a ball. Does the ball hold its shape, or does it crumble easily? Clay should be able to maintain its form without falling apart.
- The Water Test: Place a small amount of the dry material in a jar of water and let it sit for several hours. Observe how the material reacts. Does it dissolve quickly, or does it remain suspended in the water? Clay particles are very fine and tend to stay suspended for a longer period of time.
Testing the Clay’s Quality: Is It Usable?
Identifying clay is only the first step. The next crucial step is testing its quality to determine if it’s suitable for your intended purposes. Not all clay is created equal. Some clay might be too sandy or silty, while others might shrink excessively or crack during firing. Testing helps you avoid disappointment later on.
Simple Home Tests
Here are a couple of home tests you can conduct to get a better understanding of your clay’s properties:
- Sedimentation Test: This test helps you determine the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in your sample. Fill a clear jar about halfway with your soil/clay sample. Add water until the jar is almost full. Shake vigorously for several minutes, then let it sit undisturbed for at least twenty four hours. Over time, the sand will settle to the bottom, followed by the silt, and finally the clay. Measure the thickness of each layer to estimate the percentage of each component. Too much sand or silt can make the clay less plastic and more difficult to work with.
- Firing Test (Small Scale): This test is essential if you plan to fire your clay for pottery or ceramics. Create a small test piece, such as a small tile or a simple pinch pot. Let it dry completely, then fire it in a kiln (or an oven at a low temperature if you’re just starting out). Observe how the clay behaves during firing. Does it shrink excessively? Does it crack or warp? These observations will give you valuable information about the clay’s suitability for firing. If you don’t have access to a kiln, many local pottery studios offer test firing services for a small fee.
Understanding the results of these tests will help you determine the best uses for your clay. For example, clay with a high sand content might be better suited for building projects, while clay with a high clay content might be ideal for pottery.
A Note of Caution: Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw clay. Some clays may contain harmful minerals or bacteria. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your skin.
Potential Uses for Clay Found Underground
Now for the fun part: exploring the possibilities! The uses for clay are incredibly diverse, ranging from artistic endeavors to practical applications in the garden and even construction.
Crafts
- Handbuilding Pottery: Clay found underground is ideal for handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots, coil pots, and slab construction. These methods allow you to create unique and expressive forms without the need for a pottery wheel.
- Sculpting: Clay is a wonderful medium for sculpting. You can create anything from small figurines to large-scale sculptures.
- Clay Ornaments/Decorations: Get creative and make clay ornaments for your home or garden. You can add textures, colors, and embellishments to create personalized pieces.
- Clay Tiles: Make your own clay tiles for backsplashes, mosaics, or other decorative purposes.
Garden/Landscaping
- Amending Soil: Clay can be used to amend sandy soil by improving its water retention. However, use it sparingly, as too much clay can create drainage problems.
- Building a Natural Pond Liner: Clay can be used to create a natural, impermeable liner for a small pond or water feature.
- Creating a Mud Oven or Pizza Oven: For the more ambitious, clay can be used to build a traditional mud oven or pizza oven.
Construction (With Caution and Expertise)
- Cob Building: Cob is a natural building material made from clay, straw, and sand. It can be used to construct walls, floors, and even entire homes.
- Earth Plaster: Clay can be used to create a natural, breathable plaster for interior walls.
Tips and Considerations
Before you dive into your clay projects, here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
- Cleaning and Preparing the Clay: Remove any rocks, roots, and other debris from the clay.
- Wedging the Clay: Wedging is the process of kneading the clay to remove air bubbles and create a uniform consistency. This is essential for preventing cracking during drying and firing.
- Storing the Clay Properly: Store your clay in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a small amount of water to keep it moist.
- Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of the environment when digging for clay. Avoid disturbing sensitive habitats or removing excessive amounts of material.
- Resources: Join a local pottery club or online forum to connect with other clay enthusiasts. There are also many excellent books and online resources available to help you learn more about working with clay.
Conclusion
Finding clay underground is like discovering a hidden treasure. It’s a chance to connect with the earth, explore your creativity, and create something beautiful and functional. The journey of transforming raw earth into a finished piece is incredibly rewarding.
So, if you ever find yourself digging in your backyard and stumble upon a deposit of clay, don’t hesitate to explore its potential. Run some tests, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, have fun!
Do you have any experiences finding clay underground? What did you create with it? Share your stories and questions in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your own clay discoveries.
