Fire clay and refractory clays

What it is

Clays that withstand high heat; used to make firebricks, kiln linings, crucibles, ladle and furnace refractories.

Plastic fire clayNon-plastic (flint) fire clayKyanite and sillimanite (high alumina)Chamotte / grog

Where India produces it

1. Gujarat

   638,145 t reported for 2018-19.

2. Andhra Pradesh

   55,254 t reported for 2019-20.

3. MaharashtraBhandara

   Kyanite / sillimanite producing district listed in IMYB 2024.

Where imports come from

Very low: 237 t of fire clay imported in 2023-24.

Rules before you buy or sell

• Fire clay is a minor mineral (S.O. 423(E), 2015); kyanite and sillimanite are major minerals.
• Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.

Storage and handling

Keep under cover; dry clay before use in firebrick batches.

Businesses that use it

Fire Clay Refractory Bricks and Blocks →Graphite Crucibles →Clay Brick Manufacturing Unit →