There are many different kinds of clay. The different Geological conditions which have resulted in clay formation have produced clays of various chemical composition and physical make up. From this wide variety of clays only the ceramist distinguishes certain types which are similar in origin, composition and usefulness. Kaolin or china clay is one such kind of clay available and indispensable in the making of pure white porcelain or chinaware. From the beginning of the Han dynasty about 200 BC or earlier white ceramic wares where made from white clays in China.
China clay or white burning kaolins are more commonly found in China and are more plastic and workable than the white clays of other regions. Initially the Chinese people were making soft white earthenware from kaolin, later they learned to make a special body with high hardness, whiteness and translucency. This is called true porcelain and discovery of this porcelain body was a technical triumph in the development of ceramics.
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