Custer Feldspar and Ceramic Formulations

Vocabulary flashcards covering the properties, functions, and composition of Custer Feldspar, as well as components from a ceramic glaze/body recipe.

Custer Feldspar

A high-quality potassium feldspar (potash feldspar) widely utilized in the ceramic industry and studio pottery, named after the Custer region in South Dakota (USA) where it was mined for decades.

Flux (Ergitici)

A primary liquefying agent used in glazes and clay body recipes that lowers the melting point of surrounding ceramic components.

Vitrification (Camsı Yapı)

The development of a glassy structure in ceramic bodies during high-temperature firings (notably Cone 10 recipes), making the fired piece strong, durable, and waterproof.

Chemical Contribution of Custer Feldspar

The supply of essential oxides to ceramic formulas, primarily Silica ($SiO_2$), Alumina ($Al_2O_3$), Potassium ($K_2O$), and small quantities of Sodium ($Na_2O$).

Cone 10

A high-temperature firing threshold specifically noted in ceramic body recipes where Custer Feldspar assists in achieving full vitrification.

Total Base (Glazy Recipe)

The core ceramic recipe foundation totaling $100.00$ parts, consisting of $50.00$ parts EP Kaolin, $25.00$ parts Custer Feldspar, and $25.00$ parts Silica.

Mason Stain #6020 Manganese Alumina Pink Corundum

An additive material incorporated into the ceramic recipe at $8.00$ parts above the $100.00$ Total Base.

Bentonite

An additive included at $2.00$ parts in the Glazy ceramic recipe, contributing to an overall total recipe amount of $110.00$.