This study provides an integrated mineralogical, geochemical and geotechnical characterization of clay materials from the Safi basin (north-western Morocco) to evaluate their suitability for ceramic applications. Ten representative clay samples collected from the two principal stratigraphic facies (the brown clays and red sandy clay layers) were analysed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, alongside grain-size distribution, Atterberg limit, organic matter content, carbonate content, porosity and permeability measurements. The clays are dominated by illite, kaolinite and quartz, with variable amounts of chlorite, feldspar, calcite and dolomite. Geochemically, the samples exhibit moderate to high SiO2 and Al2O3 contents, consistent with illitic–kaolinite compositions. Geotechnical analyses classify most samples as silty clays with moderate plasticity and low to moderate permeability. Ceramic suitability assessment based on standard evaluation diagrams indicates that most clay materials are suitable for the production of structural ceramic products, including bricks, tiles and stoneware, whereas the carbonate-rich marl requires suitable additives to improve its extrusion properties. These results demonstrate the technological potential of Safi clays as valuable raw materials for the ceramics industry.
