The Chemistry of Vigan Clay

Abstract

The Philippines is endowed with abundant natural resources, most of which are untapped, unutilized,or even unexplored. Discovery of these mineral wealth and their proper use employing
modem techniques in the production of serviceable goods would make the country one of the newly-industrialized countries in Asia. Clay is one of the natural resources which is indigenous in the Ilocos Region, but which is not utilized to the maximum. This is a naturally occuring material composed of very fine particles, which are mainly clay minerals. The craft of making clay pots was introduced in the Philippines as early as 1500 BC when Pre-hispanic Filipinos made drinking cups,
jugs for storing water and grains, burial jars and cooking pots. Today, these remaining artifacts arc the precious treasures found in museums.