Carclaze

Carclaze is a historical and geographical term primarily associated with the Carclaze china clay pit in Cornwall, England. It refers both to the specific location of this significant china clay extraction site and, more broadly, to the type of open-cast mining landscape it represents.

The Carclaze pit is renowned for its visible geological history, showcasing exposed granite and kaolinized rock. This geological formation makes it an important site for understanding the processes of weathering and the formation of china clay (kaolinite).

Historically, Carclaze was one of the earliest and most important china clay pits in Cornwall. Its development and operation played a crucial role in the expansion of the Cornish china clay industry from the 18th century onwards. The area's mineral wealth attracted workers and contributed to the growth of surrounding settlements.

The term "Carclaze" is also used more generally to describe similar landscapes altered by large-scale china clay extraction, characterized by extensive open pits, waste heaps (known as "tips"), and modified drainage systems. The environmental impact of these operations has been a subject of ongoing concern and remediation efforts. Therefore, "Carclaze" can sometimes implicitly refer to the environmental challenges associated with china clay mining.