kinosfronimos Posted June 18 Report Share Posted June 18 Hi all, first post, new to the forum here! So I've done a Google search, and also a search of this forum, for a list of 'molecular' metal oxides that can be used in glazes. However, most sites say something along the lines of: "These are some metal oxides that can be used in glazing e.g. cobalt carbonate, cobalt oxide, chrome oxide, red iron oxide, and copper carbonate" I was hoping this forum could provide an exhaustive list of pure molecular compounds that could be ordered from a chemical supplier (like one that would supply a university chemistry lab). I'm very new to exploring glazes, and would think to begin by just adding water to a powdered oxide and dab this wash onto a bisqued ceramic. I'm sure I'm missing a variety of do's and don't I'm unaware of, but I'm here to learn - so looking forward to your feedback! Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted June 18 Report Share Posted June 18 Hi Kinosfronimos, Welcome to the Forum! Good question. I'd like to suggest looking into potential colorants, but only using materials that are safe (at least low risk) for the potter and the ceramic ware user. Tony Hansen's page on "Common Ceramic Oxides" is exhaustive, when paired with "Uncommon Ceramic Oxides" (linked on the same page): CaO (Calcium Oxide, Calcia) (digitalfire.com) ...that's all oxides; some are used as colorants. See also: Colorant (digitalfire.com) Please see paragraph beginning "Metal oxides (e.g. iron oxide, cobalt oxide, chrome oxide) can be completely safe or have considerable toxicity." (emphasis added) Mechanism (digitalfire.com) Really bright and vibrant colors that are also safe (digitalfire.com) Ceramic Stain (digitalfire.com) Toxicity (digitalfire.com) PeterH, iffetorbay, Min and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterH Posted June 18 Report Share Posted June 18 (edited) +1 Chemical suppliers often sell very pure chemicals. Better to start with pottery suppliers who will supply pure-enough chemicals at significantly lower prices. You might also want to look at "oxide washes". Eye candy https://www.pinterest.co.uk/tiffanie0360/iron-oxide-wash-ceramics/ Edited June 18 by PeterH Hulk and Min 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hulk Posted June 18 Report Share Posted June 18 I also like the write up in Susan Peterson's book, The Craft and Art of Clay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinosfronimos Posted June 18 Author Report Share Posted June 18 Thanks @Hulk and @PeterH some great advice to get me started, much appreciated! (I may have access to a university lab, hence my question) PeterH and Hulk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly in AK Posted June 19 Report Share Posted June 19 Since so many have been tried through history, the list has narrowed down to metallic oxides (and carbonates) that are useful in pottery. They’re not exclusively used as colorants though, zinc or barium for example. PeterH and kinosfronimos 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterH Posted June 19 Report Share Posted June 19 20 hours ago, kinosfronimos said: So I've done a Google search, and also a search of this forum, for a list of 'molecular' metal oxides that can be used in glazes. 16 hours ago, kinosfronimos said: (I may have access to a university lab, hence my question) Best to avoid mentioning 'molecular' metal oxides when talking to chemists, as metal oxides don't form molecules. PS Don't think that the details need worry you at the moment, but feel obliged to give a few refs. Molecules are formed by covalently bonded atoms. Metal oxides form 'ionic crystals'. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionic_crystal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covalent_bond https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ionic_bonding Most glazes are glasses, and the structure becomes both more complex and more random. kinosfronimos, Callie Beller Diesel and Magnolia Mud Research 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterH Posted June 19 Report Share Posted June 19 I stumbled across this great posting giving a flavour of the many interactions in a glaze. kinosfronimos 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted June 19 Report Share Posted June 19 (edited) Linda Bloomfield put out an abbreviated Periodic Table for potter's. Transition metals are in the center lilac block of the chart, in particular the top row, these are the colouring oxides. Like has already been said some of these oxides are also used in their carbonate form. The more dangerous oxides are safest to use when in a ceramic stain, cadmium and vanadium for example. Edited June 19 by Min kinosfronimos, Kelly in AK and PeterH 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinosfronimos Posted June 24 Author Report Share Posted June 24 Thanks for the replies all, much appreciated! Kelly in AK and Hulk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterH Posted June 24 Report Share Posted June 24 Following up on Min's posting. Chemistry for Potters https://lindabloomfield.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Bloomfield_Feb16.pdf Flyer for a book Colour in Glazes https://mycan.ceramicartsnetwork.org/s/product-details?id=a1B3u000009udqAEAQ&_gl=1*jphf7p*_ga*MTk5NTY2Njg5OC4xNzE4ODcwMjg4*_ga_QVEVT22FWJ*MTcxODg3Mzc2OS4yLjAuMTcxODg3Mzc2OS42MC4wLjA. ... and snippet from the book Base Glazes https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/docs/default-source/shop-downloads/shop-book-excerpts/colour-glazes-excerpt.pdf kinosfronimos and Hulk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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