Which oxide is commonly used to produce glazes with red tones?

Iron oxide is commonly employed to produce glazes with red tones due to its unique properties when fired in a ceramic kiln. When iron oxide is used in glaze formulations, it can create a range of colors depending on the firing conditions and the other materials present in the glaze. In particular, iron oxide can provide rich, warm reds that are highly sought after in pottery and ceramic art.

The presence of iron in a glaze typically allows for the development of these red hues when the clay body is fired at specific temperatures and in appropriate atmospheres. This versatility is one of the reasons why iron oxide remains a popular choice among ceramic artists and potters seeking specific coloration in their glazes.

In contrast, other oxides like copper oxide might yield green or blue tones, lead oxide is often associated with a range of yellows to greens and can be toxic, and zinc oxide is typically used for creating opalescent glazes rather than red tones. This distinction underscores the role of iron oxide as a key ingredient in achieving the desired red coloration in glazes.