Petuntse (from Chinese: 白墩子; pinyin: báidūnzì), also spelled petunse and bai dunzi, baidunzi, is a historic term for a wide range of micaceous or feldspathic rocks. However, all will have been subject to geological alteration of igneous rocks that result in materials which, after processing, are suitable as a raw material for some ceramic formulations. The name means "little white bricks", referring to the form in which it was transported to the potteries (compare ball clay).[1]
It was, and to some extent continues to be, an important raw material for porcelain. The name Pottery stone is now used.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The alternative name of Porcelain stone is occasionally used.[12][13]
According to one source, it is mixed with kaolin in proportions varying according to the grade of porcelain to be produced; equal quantities for the best and two thirds petuntse to one third kaolin for everyday ware.[14] There were large deposits of high-quality stone in Jiangxi province in south-eastern China, which became a centre for porcelain production, especially in Jingdezhen ware.[15]
Non-Chinese pottery stones
Similar material is found, and used, in Japan, Korea and Thailand.[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]
China stone, which is found uniquely in southwestern England, shares some similarities to Asian pottery stones, although there are differences in mineralogy.[24][25][26] Relatively similar material to China stone has been mined, and exported to England for ceramics use, in the Isle of Man and Jersey.[27][28][29][30][31][32]
References
Further reading
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