Ideal clay types for making cooking pots in survival situations?

Choosing the Right Clay

When selecting a clay for making cooking pots, look for types with high silica content. Earthenware clay, which typically contains 60-80% silica, is a good choice. It’s also relatively easy to work with and can be fired at lower temperatures, around 1800-2000°F (980-1090°C), to create a durable and non-porous pot. Ball clay, another high-silica option, can contain up to 90% silica and is often used to improve the strength and durability of earthenware clays.

Mixing and Preparing the Clay

To create a workable clay, mix 1 part of ball clay or high-silica earthenware clay with 2 parts of a tempering material, such as coarse sand or small rocks. This mixture should be kneaded until it’s smooth and pliable, then allowed to rest for 30 minutes to an hour before use. The tempering material helps to prevent the clay from shrinking too much during firing, which can lead to cracks or warping.

Firing the Pot

To fire the clay pot, build a fire and allow it to burn down to a bed of hot coals. Then, place the pot on a fire-resistant surface, such as a rock or a piece of ceramic tile, and cover it with more hot coals. The pot should be fired for at least 2-3 hours at a temperature of around 2000°F (1090°C) to create a hard, non-porous surface.