In Zisha clay, there are three primary types of clay: Zi Ni (purple clay), Hong Ni (red clay), and Lv Ni (green clay). Duan Ni is a coexistent mineral that contains combinations of Zi Ni and Hong Ni, Zi Ni and Lv Ni, Hong Ni and Lv Ni, or even all three types of clay. Duan Ni is abundant in reserves, but due to the varying proportions of the minerals, different mining regions, and firing temperatures, Duan Ni teapots come in various shades, inclu
Zhu Ni (朱泥) contains a very high iron content and is considered a premium within the Hong Ni category. The original mineral source typically lies between the clay layer on the mountain's surface or in layers of silt and soft mud, formed by the weathering of light-colored soft mud. The appearance is golden yellow or pale yellow-green, with a dense, lump-like or clumpy structure. The texture is relatively uniform and fine, generally containing smal
Lv Ni (green clay), with a mineral composition of light gray-green or light yellow-green, is found in the rock layers of Huanglong Mountain in Yixing, within the interlayers of Zi Ni and other clays. It belongs to the rarest category of clays and is known as the "mud among clays." The mineral layers are only a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters thick and lack continuity, making it particularly scarce and difficult to mine.
Dicaoqing Ni is located at the bottom of the mineral layer, with excellent density. The raw mineral presents a purplish-brown color, and the cross-section often shows regular diagonal patterns of Lv Ni chicken-eye features. The chicken eyes of Lv Ni are round and smooth, and they often appear in pairs. Dicaoqing Ni is the purest type of Zi Ni mineral, with excellent plasticity and a strong sandy texture, making it the finest among Zi Ni types.
Zi Ni is primarily found in the Huanglong Mountain mining area in Yixing. Its reserves account for approximately 80% of all Zisha clay types. it also contains varying amounts of kaolin, quartz, mica flakes, and iron.