Iron Oxide

What is Iron Oxide? 

Red iron oxide is the most common colorant in ceramics and has the highest amount of iron. It is available commercially as a soft and very fine powder made by grinding ore material or heat processing ferrous/ferric sulphate or ferric hydroxide. 

So that was the technical description but it's that colorant that gives that rusty color when applied on top of a glaze. I am drawn towards earthy glazes and clay which perform best in the reduction firing.

The iron reminds me of rusty surfaces exposed to the elements for years.

I used iron oxide in the grooves of the carving on bisque-ware, wiped it and dipped it in Mamo which is a light colored glaze. After reduction cone 10 firing it appears like this!

I think I applied a little extra iron oxide, but like this effect too!

On this coffee mug I took a thin brush and drew a line for a minimalistic effect.

This coffee mug was thrown with a tableware clay which has a lot of iron content, which gives the speckled appearance after reduction firing. I used Iron oxide in the carving.

A big brush of iron oxide on the surface.Love the chemical reaction with the glaze.