While there are many different types of clay, potters only use clays that have a certain range of properties.
Clay is an abundant material resource. While there are many different types of clay, potters only use clays that have a certain range of properties. Some of the most important properties of usable clay include its ability to be shaped without cracking or breaking (this property is known as plasticity); its ability to be fired to the temperatures necessary to transform the raw clay into a ceramic material without distortion; and its ability to be used to produce repeatable results with the same treatment, so the potter can consistently produce the wares he wants.