Since substituting for complex raw ceramic materials involves calculation that many potters are not familiar with and since we have found a way to substitute for most of these we offer to the community of ceramists the results of our research.
This research project originated very spontaneously while calculating to substitute for spodumene by lithium carbonate, kaolin and silica. Our approach is for those who are not familiar with glaze chemistry or for those who do not own a computer. This research project was conducted between 1993 and 1995, before the popularization of computer glaze softwares and home personal computers. Even at the present time only 20% of Quebec households own a computer and only 6% of them have a link to Internet (1997).
After succeeding our first substitution for spodumene the results were sent to W. Hunt, editor with Ceramics Monthly, who really appreciated our method. His letter of May 19, 1993 was a real boost for us: “I appreciated you sending us this fascinating discussion on substituting for spodumene. With your permission, I’d like to use parts of this in our Letters column”. Then we decided to apply our method to the substitution for feldspars, felspathoids and other raw materials, as you will see later. The results were sent to W. Hunt on a slow basis, in a “chapter by chapter” like manner, as new hypotheses came to our mind. Then on March 17, 1994 he send his final comments on what we had sent thus far. The chapter on lepidolite was done after receiving his last letter but the same methodology was applied.
We used general formulas rather than complex analyses and carried 3 decimal places, rounding the fourth on the third. We used the notional oxide KNAO. We also used a few other personal tricks. Our goal was to obtain substitutions in which new unity formulas were the closest possible to the original ones, which we achieved on each occasion.
Since the formulas of feldspars and feldspar-like materials are somewhat similar to those of glazes we used this last principle to find adequate substitutions. The idea was to consider the complex materials to be substituted for as glazebase unity formulas to be converted to batch recipes, then they were divided by 100 to be inserted easily in glaze recipes.
According to the method for glaze calculation: “Glaze calculation, theory and objectives”; “Glaze calculation using materials containing more than one oxide” and “Calculating glaze formulas from batches or recipes” (Daniel Rhodes, Clay and glazes for the potter, revised edition, 1973) we used different materials to achieve our goal which was to make a mixture having, once fired, the formula of feldspars and feldspar-like materials.
Naturally some minor adjustments had to be made, by the method of trials and errors (on a mathematical basis), to the results of the first try (first substitution) to obtain a satisfactory fit. Then when necessary and/or possible, the results of the second try (second substitution) were tested a few more times in different recipes to eliminate possible good results due solely to chance.
Finally we applied our method to materials far less complex than feldspars and feldspar-like materials.
Sincerely
Edouard Bastarache
CONTENTS
I- INTRODUCTION
II- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR SPODUMENE
III- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR PETALITE
IV- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR LEPIDOLITE
V- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR POTASSIUM SPARS
(Custer Spar)
VI- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR CORNWALL STONE
VII- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR SODIUM/CALCIUM SPARS
(Kona F-4 Spar)
VIII- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR POTASSIUM/CALCIUM SPARS
(G-200 Spar)
IX- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR PLASTIC VITROX
X- SUBSTITUTION FOR VOLCANIC ASH
XI- SUBSTITUTIONS FOR MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS
Substitution for Dolomite
Substitution for Wollastonite
Substitutions for Pyrophyllite
Substitution for Talc
Substitutions for Pyrophyllite
Substitution for Talc
"Substitutions for raw ceramic materials".
Written for those with limited knowledge of ceramic chemistry.
A very useful resource.Recipes are given with variations.
Easy to use and understand. With this book as resource,
potters can easily substitute and get similar results when
some chemicals are missing or no longer available.
Available in English (ISBN 2-9805901-1-8), French, Spanish,
Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brasil), German, Italian,
and Esperanto.
Price : $60.00 US, $11.00 US for shipping in North America and
$15.00 US for other continents
Edouard Bastarache,
2340 Des Erables,
Sorel-Tracy,
Quebec,
J3R 2W3
Canada
REVIEWS
AMAZING
We are truly amazed at all these submissions that you have sent concerning ceramic materials substitutions. I can’t think of the last time someone sent us this much data – enough for a substantial book. These texts go beyond anything we could publish in « Ceramics Monthly », so I’m wondering if you’d allow us to post these in our research library where the staff or other potters visiting the library would have access to your research. Of course, if you would rather us return this material to you we would, should you request it.
I thank you for thinking of us with all your detailed and thoughtful research; I look forward to hearing from you further as to its disposition.
William Hunt,
O3/17/94
Editor 1982-1994
Ceramics Monthly
Westerville
Ohio
USA
AMAZING
We are truly amazed at all these submissions that you have sent concerning ceramic materials substitutions. I can’t think of the last time someone sent us this much data – enough for a substantial book. These texts go beyond anything we could publish in « Ceramics Monthly », so I’m wondering if you’d allow us to post these in our research library where the staff or other potters visiting the library would have access to your research. Of course, if you would rather us return this material to you we would, should you request it.
I thank you for thinking of us with all your detailed and thoughtful research; I look forward to hearing from you further as to its disposition.
William Hunt,
O3/17/94
Editor 1982-1994
Ceramics Monthly
Westerville
Ohio
USA
AMOUNT OF RESEARCH
"I found the book to be quite interesting and I admire the amount of research that must have gone into it"
Frank Tucker
Tucker’s Pottery Supplies
Richmond Hill
Ontario
Canada
TRIBUTE BY A FRIEND
Most sincere congratulations for the realization of your book. It is really the results of a maniac of research, a mad one about ceramics like there is no one else in Quebec. I have read with pleasure your new book and it was for me a return on my past as a technologist of ceramics. I am thus happy to share your joy of this publication, that will incite ceramists who prepare their glazes, to launch out towards creative adventures of new shades and colors. As for the cover of your book, accept my congratulations because it is a very beautiful.
Julien Cloutier,
ceramicist, technologist
and author of « Matériaux du Céramiste Québecois »
and author of « Matériaux du Céramiste Québecois »
(Materials for the Quebec Cramicist)
Cap-Rouge
Quebec
Canada
« TOUR DE FORCE»
Edouard Bastarache's book « Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials » is a 'tour de force' of substitutions of particular ceramic materials with others. The book is the result of a research project undertaken between 1993 and 1995 before computer glazing programs became widely available and is targeted to those ceramic artists and potters who don't have computer access to help them with otherwise complex calculations in materials substitutions.
This is a comprehensive publication on glaze materials substitutions and includes 10 chapters filled with glaze recipies using the sustitution method. Both the original and substituted recipies are provided. Materials substituted include Spodumene, Petalite, Lepidolite, Potash Feldspars, Cornish Stone, Kona F-4 spar,G-200 spar, Plastic Vitrox, Volcanic Ash, Dolomite, Wollastonite, Pryophyllite and Talc. Three hundred pages contain several hundred glazes. In a typical glaze materials substitution, Custer Feldspar might be substituted by Nephelene Syenite and Silica, or Spodumene by Lithium Carbonate, Silica and Kaolin, etc.
Steven Goldate
Claynet
Australia
Cap-Rouge
Quebec
Canada
« TOUR DE FORCE»
Edouard Bastarache's book « Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials » is a 'tour de force' of substitutions of particular ceramic materials with others. The book is the result of a research project undertaken between 1993 and 1995 before computer glazing programs became widely available and is targeted to those ceramic artists and potters who don't have computer access to help them with otherwise complex calculations in materials substitutions.
This is a comprehensive publication on glaze materials substitutions and includes 10 chapters filled with glaze recipies using the sustitution method. Both the original and substituted recipies are provided. Materials substituted include Spodumene, Petalite, Lepidolite, Potash Feldspars, Cornish Stone, Kona F-4 spar,G-200 spar, Plastic Vitrox, Volcanic Ash, Dolomite, Wollastonite, Pryophyllite and Talc. Three hundred pages contain several hundred glazes. In a typical glaze materials substitution, Custer Feldspar might be substituted by Nephelene Syenite and Silica, or Spodumene by Lithium Carbonate, Silica and Kaolin, etc.
Steven Goldate
Claynet
Australia
INVALUABLE RESOURCE
I have to admit, when I bought this book, part of my reasons were to
support an online friend and fellow clayarter, by adding his book to my
collection. It was very pleasant to receive the book and realize what a
wonderful addition to my clay book library it is! I wanted to share my
reactions by sending my review.
Being a potter who mixes glazes from scratch, I sometimes will go to make
up a recipe and realize that I'm missing one of the ingredients or don't
have quite enough. This book is an invaluable resource for such a
situation where quick re-stocking of chemicals is not always an option.
The book is arranged by chemical being substituted for, with variations in
the ingredients used as replacement. Monsieur Bastarache has generously
shared many recipes, showing a sample substitution for each variation.
Potters are known for sharing glaze recipes and in this age of electronic
communication, many recipes are being shared online far and wide around theworld. Some of the glaze ingredients are not available in all parts of the
world, without exhaustive shipping costs.With this book as resource,
potters in areas where some chemicals aren't common can easily substitute and get similar results on their clay pieces.
The book is spiral bound with a good quality cover for convenience and ease of use in the studio. I would like to commend Edouard for creating this wonderful reference.
Michelle Lowe
Potter in the desert of Phoenix
OPTIONS
If you're a potter who mixes glazes from scratch, realizing that you're missing one of the ingredients or don't have quite enough can be an inconvenience. Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials is an invaluable resource for this situation when quick re-stocking of chemicals is not a timely choice.
The book is arranged by chemical, with variations of the ingredients used as a replacement. The author has generously shared many glaze recipes, showing a sample substitution for each variation.
As a rule, potters are known for sharing glaze recipes. With the use of the internet, many recipes are being shared online around the globe. As you can imagine, some of the glaze ingredients are not available in all parts of the world and without exhaustive shipping costs. With Edouard's book as resource, potters can easily substitute other chemicals and produce similar results.
The book is spiral bound with a good quality cover for convenience and ease of use in the studio.
Clayworld
Hickory
Kentucky
USA
INCREDIBLE BOOK
Dear Edouard,
I received the review copy and I, too am very impressed. I agree with all the wonderful comments from people that are highly respected in our industry
Thank you again for the opportunity to sell your incredible book
Anne
Bracker's Good Earth Clays, Inc.
up a recipe and realize that I'm missing one of the ingredients or don't
have quite enough. This book is an invaluable resource for such a
situation where quick re-stocking of chemicals is not always an option.
The book is arranged by chemical being substituted for, with variations in
the ingredients used as replacement. Monsieur Bastarache has generously
shared many recipes, showing a sample substitution for each variation.
Potters are known for sharing glaze recipes and in this age of electronic
communication, many recipes are being shared online far and wide around theworld. Some of the glaze ingredients are not available in all parts of the
world, without exhaustive shipping costs.With this book as resource,
potters in areas where some chemicals aren't common can easily substitute and get similar results on their clay pieces.
The book is spiral bound with a good quality cover for convenience and ease of use in the studio. I would like to commend Edouard for creating this wonderful reference.
Michelle Lowe
Potter in the desert of Phoenix
OPTIONS
If you're a potter who mixes glazes from scratch, realizing that you're missing one of the ingredients or don't have quite enough can be an inconvenience. Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials is an invaluable resource for this situation when quick re-stocking of chemicals is not a timely choice.
The book is arranged by chemical, with variations of the ingredients used as a replacement. The author has generously shared many glaze recipes, showing a sample substitution for each variation.
As a rule, potters are known for sharing glaze recipes. With the use of the internet, many recipes are being shared online around the globe. As you can imagine, some of the glaze ingredients are not available in all parts of the world and without exhaustive shipping costs. With Edouard's book as resource, potters can easily substitute other chemicals and produce similar results.
The book is spiral bound with a good quality cover for convenience and ease of use in the studio.
Clayworld
Hickory
Kentucky
USA
INCREDIBLE BOOK
Dear Edouard,
I received the review copy and I, too am very impressed. I agree with all the wonderful comments from people that are highly respected in our industry
Thank you again for the opportunity to sell your incredible book
Anne
Bracker's Good Earth Clays, Inc.
1831 E 1450 Road
Lawrence,
KS 66044
WORKS VERY WELL
Congratulations on your publication.
My copy works really well.
Rhonda Reed,
Potter
IMMENSELY THANKFUL
I received your book and I am certain that I will use it very often.I am immensely thankful for that, and also for the chance to haveparticipated a little in the making (translating) of your book ,available here in Portuguese.
Cecília Alvim Dequech
Potter
Potter
São Paulo
Brazil
SUBSTITUTIONS AT THE REACH OF ALL
A comprehensive survey greeted by North American critics.
Charles Eissautier
ImagineCéramique
http://ceramique.com/
St-Quentin la Poterie(Gard)
France
FINE COMPILATION OF WORK
Hello Edouard!
So I finally had the chance to go through your work. This is truly quite a fine compilation of work.
Jonathan Jonathan Kaplan,
BIOGRAPHY
Edouard Bastarache lives in Quebec, Canada, and has a colorful history. He studied surgery, internal medicine and neuroendecrine physiology and has been a consultant in occupational and environmental medicine for 25 years. At the same time as his medical studies, he studied ceramics under Julien Cloutier at La Boutique d'Argile (The Clay Shop) and later also taught at the same school. Bastarache now lives in the Sorel-Tracy region of Quebec, near the St. Lawrence river. He uses waste materials from steel plants located in the area to color many of his glazes and clays. He fires most of his work to cone 9 1/2 in reduction in a 60 cubic foot downdraft gas kiln.
His book Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials is the result of a total of 42 years dabbling in ceramics and a 3 year research project. It is currently available directly from Edouard, Imagine Ceramique (France), Tucker ‘s Pottery Supplies (Canada), Potters Shop (USA), Bracker’s Good Earth Clays Inc. (USA), Revista CERÁMICA (Spain), Diaz de Santos (Spain) and Laguna (USA)
Jonathan Jonathan Kaplan,
BIOGRAPHY
Edouard Bastarache lives in Quebec, Canada, and has a colorful history. He studied surgery, internal medicine and neuroendecrine physiology and has been a consultant in occupational and environmental medicine for 25 years. At the same time as his medical studies, he studied ceramics under Julien Cloutier at La Boutique d'Argile (The Clay Shop) and later also taught at the same school. Bastarache now lives in the Sorel-Tracy region of Quebec, near the St. Lawrence river. He uses waste materials from steel plants located in the area to color many of his glazes and clays. He fires most of his work to cone 9 1/2 in reduction in a 60 cubic foot downdraft gas kiln.
His book Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials is the result of a total of 42 years dabbling in ceramics and a 3 year research project. It is currently available directly from Edouard, Imagine Ceramique (France), Tucker ‘s Pottery Supplies (Canada), Potters Shop (USA), Bracker’s Good Earth Clays Inc. (USA), Revista CERÁMICA (Spain), Diaz de Santos (Spain) and Laguna (USA)
Steven Goldate
Australia
