Composition, origin and industrial suitability of the Aswan ball clays, Egypt

The abundance of clay size fractions (< 2 μm), low-order kaolinite and illite, absence of I/S minerals, low fluxing agents such as alkali oxides (Na2O and K2O) and alkaline earth oxides (CaO and MgO), low S and Cl contents, and low contents of toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) reveal the suitability of the Aswan ball clays as a good quality and environment-friendly raw material for ceramic and refractory industries.