Geochemical, physical and mechanical characterization of clay deposits of Bolson de Fiambala (Catamarca, Argentina))

The study of the production, circulation and the formal, technological and stylistic variability of ceramic goods manufactured in the bolson de Fiambala (Catamarca, Argentina) requires an inquiry about the multi elemental composition and the physical and chemical properties of the clay sources in the region that were potentially utilized. We present the results of the geochemical, mineralogical, physical and mechanical characteristics of samples taken from clay deposits of the mesothermal valley of Abaucan and the from the puna environment of the cordillera of Chaschuil. These samples are also compared with others that were collected in nearby valleys. To test the ceramic strength and the breakage resistance we made a series of standardized briquettes that were fired at different temperatures. In order to establish the type of clay and their mineralogical composition we made X ray diffraction analysis. Finally, the samples (raw and fired) were subjected to neutron activation analysis as a mean to identify the loss and/or alteration of specific chemical elements