Clay is the basic raw material for obtaining various ceramic materials. In nature, it is formed by the
decomposition of complex silicate rocks, which form clays of different physical characteristics,
mineral and chemical composition. The aim of this work was to perform mineralogical and chemical
characterization of clay from the locality Zagoni, municipality of Bratunac. Chemical analysis
revealed a high content of SiO2 (59.39%) and a relatively low content of other components, which
are chemical contaminants of clay (Fe2O3 + TiO2 + CaO + MgO). Based on the obtained experimental
results, the clay can be classified into semi-acidic clays with a low content of coloring oxides. The
presence of quartz and kaolinite minerals was registered in the clay by XRD and thermal methods of
analysis. The granulometric composition of this clay is uneven, and fifty percent of the particles have
an average diameter of 8.54 µm. The examination determined that the clay “Zagoni” swells poorly
under the action of water.
