30 March, 2008

Random queries no. 135

One of a series of genuine search engine enquiries which successfully brought visitors to the Ministry.  Can I help?

clay mine in lancs

Not particularly random, but intriguing (dunno what that says about me...).

Would one mine clay? I'm pretty sure it's extracted from open-air quarries, not subterranean mines.
'Fireclay' might be considered an exception, but that material is lithified (i.e. a rock) rather than compressed sediment retaining some plasticity (i.e. a clay).

Try a search for 'clay pit lancs' – you don't need to specify 'in'.

I was going to suggest using 'lancashire' rather than 'lancs', too, but was surprised to see Google (.com, not .co.uk) automatically recognises and expands the abbreviation.