[Ellison]

All the casino chips made from "clay"?
Is the "clay" means "clay" we use for arts class?
Or some other composite materials?

[Sniper2075]

I would have to guess that it is not even close to what you use in art class.

The exact composition would be a closely guarded secret of each company.

[MeridianFC]

The actual material is proprietary and secret. You won't get any of the manufacturers telling you what's in 'em, though ASM mention that it's materials more durable than actual earthen clay are used. I'd guess the earlier part of the 1900s was the last time actual clay was the sole ingredient.

I've surmised in the past that what we call proper clay chips probably have something like:

Clay or other earthen material to some degree
Plastic
Latex or rubber (my guess is the coloring is some sort of latex tint, just a hunch)
Brass flake (ASM)
Lead Dust (Paulson)
I've also wondered is some portion of bone might be a material. Some chips, have a higher pitch "tinkle" not unlike china. This is very pronounced in ceramic chips, which I guess makes sense.

When you break apart a clay chip the rough grainy texture seems to me to indicate some amount of actual clay like material, but the way it breaks also seems to indicate some sort of latex/rubber/plastic like material to bind it. If you've ever used latex paint and bit of it dry in the painting tray you'll know what I mean. Whatever it is it does have to survive high heat and pressure.

The metal flakes or dust are pretty much a known ingredient for the specific chips mentioned.

Other than the last bit this is just guess work on my part.

[TenPercenter]

Originally Posted by MeridianFC

I've also wondered is some portion of bone might be a material. Some chips, have a higher pitch "tinkle" not unlike china. This is very pronounced in ceramic chips, which I guess makes sense.

He said tinkle.

[Apotome]

Originally Posted by MeridianFC

I've surmised in the past that what we call proper clay chips probably have something like:

Lead Dust (Paulson)

I thought I had read something like this previously on this site. Is this true? Lead dust? Is that safe? I mean handling a few chips now and then probably isn't an issue, but what about people who handle them on a consistent basis (regular home players or even casino dealers). Is there any worry that this is unhealthy?

AB

[tomb1]

Here's the official Paulson line:

Originally, gaming chips in the United States were made of clay and called “clay chips.” Clay was replaced many years ago by plastic materials.

Compression molded casino chips are manufactured from a proprietary formulation of more than 13 raw materials using a compression molding system. Printed decals or “inlays” are incorporated in the chips during the molding steps. Customized designs, security and identifying features are incorporated into the chips. GPI-USA holds a leading market share in compression molded chips, which are similar to the original clay chips of the past. They have a unique feel and easy handling and are often referred to as “clay chips.”

In talking with some Paulson folks, they are very protective of their "secret formula." Probably not as tight as Coca-Cola or Colonel Sanders 11 herbs and spices, but it's very proprietary.

But I understand it is various plastics compounds, plus the "lead" compounds for a little more weight, plus some other porous and non-porous materials. Heck it may even include the fine "clays" -- actually Kaolin, nothing like you use in art class -- that are mined mostly in Georgia. Kaolin (bright white China Clay) is used in paints, fine china, and also used to coat the fine glossy printing papers you'd see used in Playboy , er excuse me, Time magazine. Kaolin makes the hard glossy surface.

But of course most "clay" chips on eBay are B.S. Or actually, ABS or some other hard plastic. Even "ceramic" chips are not made from real ceramics but rather hard plastic compounds.

[Somrakj]

it would seem they would have to put out warnings with all their chips (paulson that is) if they have lead dust on them. Lead is known to cause cancer. With alot of people eating while playing this could be a potential issue. you are shuffling chips and getting this lead dust all over your hands and then a few minutes later, you are tossing chips in your mouth or handling a sandwich.

[Wooderson]

The one thing that makes me like ASM chips better than Paulson, Blue Chip or TR King is the texture of the material they use. It has always reminded me of brick, and I just really like that.

[DDD424]

Originally Posted by Apotome

I thought I had read something like this previously on this site. Is this true? Lead dust? Is that safe? I mean handling a few chips now and then probably isn't an issue, but what about people who handle them on a consistent basis (regular home players or even casino dealers). Is there any worry that this is unhealthy?

AB

Uh oh, I shuffle these all the time when I'm at my computer, I also grab some cereal with my hands when I'm at my computer shuffling chips.

[boondocker96]

Originally Posted by Somrakj

Lead is known to cause cancer. With alot of people eating while playing this could be a potential issue

Sounds like an amazing opportunity for a lawsuit!

Tell them we'll settle out of court if they'll offer fully customizable chips to the home market!