| Summary: | In this research work, investigate on physical, chemical, mineralogical and petrographic properties of clay mineral resources converges to contribute to solve the problems of artisanal pottery production of the Association of Women Miners and Entrepreneurs (ASOAMME) of the “Pantanitos” sidewalk in Sogamoso, Colombia. The composition of the clays, their thermal, plastic and mineralogical properties are determined from samples from the three mining titles exploited by the Association. X-ray fluorescence (FRX) analyses determine the preliminary chemical composition and lead the definition of mineral groups identified by X-ray diffraction (DRX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The interpretation of mineral phases is complemented by optical microscopy to identify materials such as cryptocrystalline quartz and some minerals with granulometries greater than 5 μm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is also implemented to recognize the laminar structures of kaolinite and validate the results of analytical techniques. The thermal behavior was performed through of a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) that was adjusted to the mineralogical properties of the clays and the infrastructure in the pottery workshop of the Association. The results point out that the clays used by the Association present differential chemical contents of kaolinite and montmorillonite, which modifies their properties during cooking. It is concluded that mixtures between the different levels of clay are not recommended for making ceramic pieces. The authors make a diagnosis and suggest about the current artisanal production process, without affecting traditional ones. Aspects such as the handling of humidity, cooking temperature controls and the convenience of using fixtures or curvatures are addressed.
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