What Kind of Clay Are Poker Chips Made Of?

Poker chips are made from a variety of materials, the most popular being clay. Clay poker chips are made from a mixture of water, clay, and minerals.

The clay is then molded into shape and dried. The chips are then fired in a kiln to harden them.

The type of clay used in poker chips is called kaolin. Kaolin is a white, clay-like mineral that is widely used in the manufacturing of porcelain and ceramics.

It is also used as an additive in some plastics. Kaolin is named after the Kao-lin district in China where it was first mined.

The quality of poker chips varies depending on the type of clay used and how the chips are manufactured. High-quality poker chips are made from a purer form of kaolin and are usually injection molded.

Injection molding is a process where molten plastic is injected into a mold to create the desired shape. This process produces a stronger chip that is less likely to break or crumble.

Lower-quality poker chips are made from a cheaper, lower-grade clay mix and are usually compression molded. Compression molding is a process where the clay mix is placed into a mold and then compressed to create the desired shape.

This process produces a weaker chip that is more likely to break or crumble.

Poker chips can also be made from other materials such as ceramic, wood, or plastic. However, these materials are not as commonly used as clay because they are more expensive and difficult to work with. Ceramic chips are the most durable but also the most expensive.

Wood chips are less durable but less expensive than ceramic chips. Plastic chips are the least durable but also the least expensive type of poker chip.