Kaolin & the Mine

The mine in Seilitz is a small yet historically significant site. With only two miners, approximately 150 tons of kaolin are extracted each year—an achievement that makes it the smallest mine in Europe. Despite its modest size, it has played a decisive role in establishing the worldwide reputation of Meissen porcelain.

The kaolin is mined by hand using specialized tools to avoid damaging this delicate raw material. The mine is not only a production site but also a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship. Since the current mine was newly developed in 2024/25, it cannot be visited directly. As an alternative, the “MEISSEN Theme World” offers guided tours that allow visitors to experience the processing of kaolin and the production of porcelain up close.

After being extracted from the mine, the raw kaolin is first washed in a levigation facility to remove sand and other impurities. This purification process ensures the exceptionally high degree of whiteness that gives Meissen porcelain its distinctive character.

The resulting “kaolin milk” is then stored in large basins for six to eight weeks, allowing the fine kaolin slurry to settle. The purified kaolin is subsequently blended with finely ground feldspar, quartz, and other raw materials to create a liquid porcelain body. By removing water, a moldable paste is produced in the clay cellar, which is then processed further depending on the production method—either as a plastic body for modeling or as a casting slip for creating delicate porcelain forms.