An Introduction to Ceramic Glaze Color Chemistry

The ceramic arts contain multitudes of scientific phenomena and engineering precision for silicate glazes and aluminosilicate clays; however, ceramic glaze color chemistry exists as complex color events (mostly through ligand field theory applications) that are regularly taught in inorganic chemistry classrooms. As such, when only slightly shifting the formula of a glaze – albeit by small changes in metal pigment identity, metal pigment charge, silica:alumina ratios, or changes to the crystal field via base recipe additives – a wide range of colors can be obtained. Herein, the absorption wavelengths of color centers in glazes can be easily shifted in numerous ways, as indicated by their reflectance profiles and the actual ceramic surface samples shown in this text. Examples of each of these variables are discussed, with reflectance spectra provided, in a brief examination of facets of the chemistry behind ceramic glaze colors, light interaction with glaze surfaces, and suggestions of a few experiments for students to properly conceptualize these phenomena.