Ceramic Grade Manganese Carbonate for Brown Glazes
Short Product Description
Ceramic Grade Manganese Carbonate (MnCO₃) is a high-performance ceramic raw material specifically designed for producing stable brown, black, and earthy glaze tones. It is widely used in stoneware, porcelain, and artistic ceramics as a reliable manganese source for consistent coloration and glaze performance.
When fired, manganese carbonate decomposes into manganese oxides, which react with silica and alumina in the glaze to generate rich brown shades and deep black tones, especially under oxidizing conditions
Key Features
1. Strong Brown Color Development
Produces soy brown, dark brown, and black-brown glazes
Typical dosage: 0.5% – 5% for controlled shade variation
Warmer and more natural tones compared to iron-based browns
2. Excellent Dispersion in Glaze Systems
Fine powder ensures uniform color distribution
Minimizes streaking, spotting, and color inconsistency
3. Dual Function: Colorant + Flux
Acts as a colorant for brown/black/purple glazes
Functions as a mild flux, lowering melting temperature and improving glaze fusion
4. Versatile Color Effects
Depending on formulation and firing:
Oxidation firing → brown to black
Reduction firing → gray, red, or greenish tones
Can produce speckled or textured surfaces at higher loadings
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| MnCO₃ Purity | ≥ 98% |
| Mn Content | ≥ 44% |
| Particle Size | 200–325 mesh |
| Fe (Iron) | ≤ 0.02–0.10% |
| Ca (Calcium) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Mg (Magnesium) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Pb (Lead) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
Low impurity levels (Fe, Ca, Mg) are critical to avoid shade drift and unwanted color contamination in ceramic glazes.
Applications
Brown & Black Ceramic Glazes
Tableware and stoneware
Rustic and traditional ceramics
Artistic and studio pottery
Specialty Effects
Speckled clay bodies
Reactive glazes
Metallic or crystalline finishes
Ceramic Pigments & Stains
Base material for manganese-based pigments
Enhances glaze depth and visual textur
How It Works in Brown Glazes
During firing:
- MnCO₃ → decomposes into manganese oxides
- Reacts with SiO₂ and Al₂O₃
- Forms manganese silicates → brown/black coloration
The final color depends on:
Kiln atmosphere (oxidation vs reduction)
Glaze chemistry
Dosage level
Advantages Over Manganese Dioxide
| Feature | MnCO₃ | MnO₂ |
|---|---|---|
| Dispersion | Better | Moderate |
| Color uniformity | High | Medium |
| Gas release | Lower | Higher |
| Glaze defects | Fewer pinholes | More risk |
Ceramic manufacturers often prefer manganese carbonate for cleaner glaze surfaces and better consistency
Packaging & Supply
Standard: 25 kg bags
Custom packaging available
Bulk supply for ceramic factories
FAQ
1. What color does manganese carbonate produce in ceramics?
Primarily brown, black, and purple tones, depending on glaze chemistry and firing conditions
2. Is manganese carbonate suitable for high-temperature firing?
Yes. It decomposes and becomes active above ~1080°C, making it ideal for stoneware and porcelain
3. Why is impurity control important?
Elements like Fe, Ca, and Mg can shift glaze color and reduce consistency, especially in high-end ceramic production.
4. What is the recommended dosage?
Typically 0.5%–5%, depending on desired color intensity