Abstract: The present invention provides a glass-ceramic glaze composition for use in the production of ceramic tile. The glaze composition comprises a glass composition from which diopside crystals can be formed, a diopside crystallization rate controller, a surface texture controller, and other optional fillers, pigments and additives. Preferably, the glass composition comprises one or more glass frits containing precursors from which diopside crystals can be formed. The diopside crystallization rate controller comprises mill added sodium feldspar, potassium feldspar, nepheline, and/or spodumene, with sodium feldspar being preferred. The surface texture controller preferably comprises zinc oxide and calcined alumina. When fired on a ceramic tile, the glaze composition of the present invention provides a semi-transparent to translucent, smooth matte finish that displays excellent chemical durability and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic tile and a glaze composition for use in forming the tile. The glaze composition comprises a glass component, an expansion modifier and a spodumene crystallization promoter. The spodumene crystallization promoter comprises a material that promotes the formation of beta spodumene during the firing of the glaze composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glaze composition for use in forming glossy ceramic tiles which exhibit excellent scratch resistance. The glaze composition comprises a glass component that when fired produces a glaze layer containing oxides having a spinel crystalline structure and residual glass. The glaze displays an opaque or semiopaque finish.