AI creates a pottery glaze recipe that could work on Mars

Ever since I had a startup in machine learning and AI (an agtech robot) I’ve been challenged by how we can use new tools to sift through data and help us create new products and developments without the painstaking process of reaching out to individuals. While I love and cherish my one-on-time with people I love, and nothing beats the creative process with someone smarter than you, sometimes we want to let our imagination soar. I held an event in Tel Aviv about 6 years ago Mars Farm (and this event on future farming where I was invited) which made us think of solutions for growing food with existing Martian minerals and nutrients. The EU-funded event asked how we could create closed loop systems for farms aboard a spaceship and when we land on Mars. How would our farms look, our diet? Would there be medical cannabis?

You could ask that about any part of life, and I love to spend potting in my backyard studio. So my mind wanders: What would my pottery studio look on Mars? Surely everything would be red? Would the material move differently? Would working on the wheel be easier or harder? What about ceramic casting?

We’d probably have to make as much as we can on Mars since raw materials are heavy and wouldn’t be easily transported. Martian soil is expected to be high in iron and given what we know and maybe with a dash of what we don’t, artificial intelligence created a glaze recipe for Mars potters.

Anyone willing to try it out, and throw in a dash of what you can find local to you as the Martian Regolith (Simulated)?

Creating a glaze recipe for ceramics that can work with the minerals found on Mars involves some speculation since the exact composition of Martian minerals is not fully known. However, we can make an educated guess based on the information available about Martian soil and rocks.

Ingredients for Martian Mirth Magma glaze

1. Red Iron Oxide: Mars is famously known for its reddish appearance, which is due to the presence of iron oxide (rust). Incorporating red iron oxide into your glaze can help mimic the Martian color.
2. Silica: Silica is a common component in glazes and can be found on Mars. It helps with the melting process and contributes to the overall texture of the glaze.
3. Aluminum Oxide: This compound can add stability to the glaze and affect its color. It is also likely to be present in Martian soil.
4. Magnesium Oxide: Magnesium is known to be present on Mars, and including magnesium oxide in your glaze can provide interesting effects.
5. Calcium Oxide: Calcium is another element found in Martian soil, and adding calcium oxide can enhance the stability and durability of the glaze.
6. Martian Regolith (Simulated): If available, you may consider using a simulated Martian regolith, which is a mixture of various minerals found on Mars. This can provide a more authentic touch to your glaze.
7. Boron (optional): Depending on the specific mineral composition you’re aiming for, you might consider adding boron to adjust the glaze’s melting point and improve its durability.

Basic Glaze Recipe – Martian Mirth Magma:

• 30% Red Iron Oxide
• 30% Silica
• 15% Aluminum Oxide
• 10% Magnesium Oxide
• 10% Calcium Oxide
• 5% Martian Regolith (simulated)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fine particles.
2. Gradually add the dry mix to water until it is absorbed and the add water until the right density is achieved. Feedback on that?
3. Stir and strain glaze.
4. Apply the glaze to your ceramics using your preferred method (dipping, brushing, spraying).
5. Fire the ceramics in a kiln according to standard ceramic firing procedures. Experiment with different firing temperatures to achieve the desired results. This is currently unknown how we will do this on Mars.

Keep in mind that this is a speculative recipe, and the actual mineral composition on Mars may vary. It’s also essential to conduct tests on a small scale before applying the glaze to a larger project. Have you tried out the recipe? Are you will to provide feedback? If yes, let us know [email protected]

Possible names for this glaze? ChatGTP came up with a few:

1. Martian Mirth Magma
2. Red Planet Razzle-Dazzle
3. Alien Tease Glaze
4. Cosmic Chuckle Coating
5. Extraterrestrial Euphoria EnameLol
6. Red Dust Delight
7. Mars Mockery Mix
8. Laughing Lava Glint
9. Interplanetary Jest Glaze
10. Quirk of the Cosmos Coating

Sketches of pottery studios on Mars