A dried clay cannot be classified as a rock
It will be rock hard.
Clay is classified as a rock because it is composed of minerals and undergoes a geological process called lithification, which turns loose sediment into solid rock. Clay minerals are typically formed through the weathering and erosion of other rocks, eventually becoming compacted and cemented together to form rock-like structures.
If clay is a rock
"Caked clay" refers to clay that has dried out and hardened, typically forming a hard layer on the surface. It can be difficult to work with and often requires rehydration to make it pliable again for sculpting or pottery.
Dried clay
Yes, you can use acrylics on clay after the clay has been dried.
Yes, use epoxy.
Clay is actually a description of sediment of a specific particle size. As such clay is not necessarily a rock. However when compacted and cemented clay forms claystone which is a sedimentary rock.
Hardened clay is not classified as a rock in the traditional sense; rather, it is a type of sediment that has undergone significant compaction and mineral alteration due to pressure and heat. While it can have rock-like properties and may be referred to as "claystone" when compacted, it typically lacks the crystalline structure that characterizes true rocks. Therefore, while hardened clay can resemble rock, it is more accurately categorized as a type of sedimentary material.
Add water to it.
well, i think the question would be more 'is clay a rock or mineral' but either way, it is a rock you could have googled that, but i think you just needed to change some words! hope i helped! (:
the type of rock made mostly from clay is the shale rock