clay' would have on alchemists today were they alive to see the "magic" of objects made from metal clay.  Metal clay is not a true from-the-earth natural clay--it is called clay not only because it looks and feels like natural clay but because it can be freely shaped into almost any desired form, and in the same way natural clay can be formed--hand-building, press-molding, and even thrown on a tiny wheel made specifically for metal clay. 

To create the clay, microscopic particles of pure silver are mixed with an organic binder into a material that looks and feels like natural clay.  When the metal clay is shaped, dried and fired in a kiln (or fired with a torch), the organic binder burns away and what is left behind is pure or fine (99.9%) silver. (Sterling silver is only 92.5% silver, with 7.5% alloy--generally copper in the US.) The pure silver is then burnished or polished as sterling silver would be.  

There are two companies in Japan that produce metal clay.  Mitsubishi produces Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and Aida produces Art Clay.  The end result of using either brand is essentially the same, as is the price.  There are several forms of this material.With PMC, the original standard shrinks 28% when fired and requires a minimum of 2 hours for firing; PMC Plus shrinks 12% and can be fired at a lower temperature for much less time; PMC3 shrinks 12% and can be fired at an even lower temperature, MUCH less time AND with a torch.  PMC also has syringe, slip and sheet form.  Art Clay has several special forms of both clay and slip that are popular and are compatible with PMC.

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