Cacao Stoneware Clay RW1302 – Dark Grogged Throwing & Handbuilding Clay (Cone 5-6)

Application:
Cacao is a dark-firing mid-fire clay designed for potters who want rich colour, strength, and reliable performance.

Firing from warm walnut to deep chocolate brown, this clay brings natural depth to both functional pottery and sculptural work.

Formulated with 13% fine grog (0–0.2mm), Cacao offers excellent handling on the wheel, while improving strength, drying performance, and crack resistance in hand-built and larger forms.

Application Temperature:

1000°C – 1220°C (Cone 06–6) 
Optimal performance at Cone 6

Key Features:
• Dark mid-fire clay – walnut to chocolate firing colour 
• Fine grogged clay (13%) – improved strength and control
• Excellent throwing clay – smooth, responsive, and stable
• Ideal handbuilding clay – reduced cracking and warping
• Cone 6 stoneware – reliable, consistent results
• Suitable for functional ware, small sculpture, and studio production 

Specifications:
• Grog / Graining: 13% / 0–0.2mm
• Drying Shrinkage: ~5.0%

Firing Shrinkage:
• 1150°C: ~5.2%
• 1200°C: ~5.5% 
• 1220°C: ~5.6% 

Water Absorption:
• 1150°C: ~4.5%
• 1200°C: ~0.5%
• 1220°C: ~0%

Working Properties:
• Throwing: Smooth with excellent shape retention
• Handbuilding: Strong and forgiving with low cracking risk
• Trimming: Clean with a subtle tooth
• Drying: Even and reliable across varied thickness

Glaze Fit:
Cacao performs exceptionally with midfire glazes (Cone 6):
• Enhances reactive and layered glaze effects
• Works beautifully with iron, copper, and variegated glazes
• Adds depth beneath transparent and translucent glazes Unglazed, it fires to a natural earthy satin finish.

Best For:
• Wheel throwing clay
• Handbuilding clay
• Sculptural ceramics
• Functional stoneware pottery

Summary: Cacao is a dark grogged stoneware clay that combines rich fired colour, strength, and ease of use.

A dependable choice for potters looking for a cone 6 clay body with more character, structure, and presence than standard stoneware.