[en] Ball clays are clays with a high amount of fine particles, high plasticity, and are fundamental for the ceramic technology. These clays have sedimentary origin, varied content of organic-matter content, and containing kaolinite as the predominant clay mineral. They have a significant influence on the plasticity and rheology of ceramic formulations and in the green strength of the produced bodies. Due to the importance of clays such as 'ball clay' for ceramic processing this paper aims to review the characteristics of clays classified as 'ball clay' and address properties of clays in the state of Paraíba. (author)