Clay Ball

Clay is the item obtained from mining clay blocks. Each clay block yields four clay balls. Clay blocks are usually found in groups in shallow water, and are best mined using shovels. Clay deposits are readily found in the water in swamp biomes, but deposits can be found in ocean biomes as well (though seldom). River features are a consistent source of clay.

Usage
Clay can be crafted together to form clay blocks or baked in a furnace to create clay bricks. Clay bricks can then be crafted into brick blocks. Brick blocks are commonly used in house building projects.

History
Prior to Minecraft version Beta 1.8, clay was a rare luxury material. The Minecraft version Beta 1.8 update changed the rate of distribution, making it much more common. Brick blocks are now a common building material.