A pot enthusiast raised a question: After seasoning his new pot, a layer of white mist appeared on its surface.

He used the common method of boiling the pot in hot water, and this issue left him quite puzzled. Here, we list possible causes for this phenomenon for your reference:

Possibility One: Water quality issue, mineral (scale) adsorption.

If the water contains a high amount of calcium and magnesium ions, when the temperature rises, they combine with acid roots to form minerals such as calcium carbonate that are insoluble in water, which then adhere to the surface of the pot. This is similar to how the surface of an egg often turns white after boiling. Different regions have different water qualities, and the amounts of calcium and magnesium ions can vary, affecting the pot differently.

Possibility Two: The body was underfired during kilning, meaning crystallization did not fully form.

When the firing temperature is insufficient, the clay does not reach its crystallization point, and the sand particles inside and outside the pot do not achieve complete crystallization. As a result, the pot wall has higher breathability and a stronger adsorption effect, causing minerals in the water to adhere to the surface of the pot, making it appear white due to adsorption. This is based on the same principle as “spitting black,” except that “spitting black” involves the adsorption of Tea stains accumulated during use.

The above two possibilities are closely related and act together on the Teapot.

Good water quality means less adsorption even if the pot is underfired; poor water quality may cause some adsorption even if the pot is not underfired.

Therefore, the appearance of a white layer on the surface of the pot after seasoning is due to the condensation of water scale molecules, which is a normal occurrence and not something to be overly concerned about.

The pot enthusiast simply needs to clean off the condensed water scale from the surface and can then use the pot normally. With long-term use, attention should be paid to keeping the pot dry and clean. Once a visible patina forms, it will enhance the unique charm of the purple clay pot.

Image: ChaWo Network

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