👉 The Clark fluid, also known as Clark's oil or Clark's mineral oil, is a synthetic hydrocarbon liquid developed by American chemist John Clark in the 1930s. It is a colorless, viscous liquid with a unique set of properties that make it useful in various industrial applications, particularly as a lubricant and in the formulation of paints, varnishes, and adhesives. The fluid is highly stable, resistant to oxidation, and has excellent solvent properties, allowing it to dissolve a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds. Its viscosity can be finely tuned by altering its molecular structure, making it versatile for different uses. Despite its synthetic origin, the Clark fluid is often used in formulations where natural oils might not be suitable due to their instability or limited compatibility.