This work is based on the study of materials from Mina Tabajara (Limeira, S. Paulo), by determining the chemical, physical and mineralogical features, ceramic tests, control methods, petrography and weathering influence, and especially the mixture that has been provided by the Mine for the industries of the region. The mixture was elaborated from attempts based on experience, which sparked interest in order to verify the factors that influence and/or control the mixture. Individual samples that represents the three levels provide no satisfactory results, as opposed to the mixture. In the mixture, the coarser grains of the sample from the middle portion of the profile (L2; 20%) are accommodated in the matrix formed by the base material (L1; 70%), and part of the interstices are filled by the remaining particles of the superior portion (L3; 10%), which is slightly thinner than the previous one, creating pieces which water absorption is compatible with BIII products, in laboratory. Data analysis showed that the source rock of sediment along with depositional environment have an important role in the mineralogical composition, particle size and chemism, which in turn relate directly to the cation exchange capacity / specific surface and pH, and that all these factors together influence the degree of packing of the grains in the formation of ceramic pieces, resulting in changes of water absorption degree and in the pieces resistance.
clay; clay minerals; red ceramic; technological characterization
