Synthetic material (Not a natural rock/mineral)
Polymer Clay (Mock Mineral)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with plasticizers and pigment
Hardness: 2-3 Mohs (soft); Color: Vibrant, multi-colored swirls (pink, green, yellow, blue); Luster: Matte to waxy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal or irregular fracture)
- Hardness
- 2-3 Mohs (soft)
- Color
- Vibrant, multi-colored swirls (pink, green, yellow, blue)
- Luster
- Matte to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2-3 Mohs (soft); Color: Vibrant, multi-colored swirls (pink, green, yellow, blue); Luster: Matte to waxy; Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal or irregular fracture)
Formation & geological history
Man-made hobby material; created through industrial polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer, then shaped and cured at low temperatures (approx. 275°F) in a home or craft oven.
Uses & applications
Crafting jewelry, beads, sculptures, and decorative trinkets. It is valued by artists for its malleability before baking and durability after.
Geological facts
Despite its name, it has no actual clay minerals (like kaolin). It is called 'clay' because its tactile handling properties mimic that of natural earth clay.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its light weight, slightly flexible feel, and unnatural neon or high-contrast color patterns. It is found in craft stores, not geological field sites.
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