search  current discussion  categories  materials - clay 

local clays

updated fri 24 oct 97

 

Gaydos, Frank on tue 14 oct 97

Hello Clayarters; Here in Philly I'm always on the lookout for
construction sites and sewer projects as we are on a lot of nice mica
rich clay . I take just enough to try to make a slip or a Terra Sigillata
out of it. A few years ago two city blocks were leveled putting the dirt
of one atop of the other to a height of two stories. A quick search
revealed a rich field of pottery shards from colonial times, enough to
fill a brown paper sack! What fun!

June Perry on wed 15 oct 97

You can get maps from the Bureau of Land Management that show clay deposits,
etc. Often you can find a geologist at the office and get some leads that
way. One told me about some red clay deposit that is very close to where I
live. I scouted the area and found the clay right along side the road but
haven't taken any samples yet. Next time I'll go with shovel in hand!

Good luck!
June

Kenneth D. Westfall on thu 16 oct 97

I beleive you would have better luck with a geological survey than with the
Bureau of Land Management. I also think there is a book published in the 56
or there abouts by the U.S. geological survey that locate all clay deposites
by regions in the USA. I would start looking a the local collage library or
University.. Sorry i don't have any specific referance numbers for the book
just know of it exsitance.
Kenneth D. Westfall
Pine Hill Pottery
RD#2 Box 6AA
Harrisville, WV 26362
pinehill@ruralnet.com

DON'T GET STUCK IN THE MUDPIES--K & T

Julie George on sat 18 oct 97

> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I beleive you would have better luck with a geological survey than with the
> Bureau of Land Management.
SNIP...
I am the former WAN manager for the USGS library. If you would like
some reference help, please contact me.

Julie George
Jgeorge@mail.wdn.com

Julia George
Lafarge Corporation
JGEORGE@LAFARGECORP.COM