Ceramic Materials
Reading Time: 1:30 min
The following four terms refer to different types of ceramic materials. They differ mainly in the composition of the clay, the firing temperature, their strength, and their water absorption.
– Earthenware
– Stoneware
– Faience
– Porcelain
Earthenware
Earthenware is the oldest and most widely used form of pottery.
Characteristics
– Fired at relatively low temperatures of about 1000 to 1150 °C
– Usually made from reddish or brown clay
– Porous and able to absorb water when unglazed
– Softer and more fragile than other ceramic types
Typical Uses
– Flower pots
– Rustic tableware
– Terracotta tiles
– Traditional pottery
Example
Terracotta plant pots.
Stoneware
Stoneware is stronger and denser than earthenware.
Characteristics
– Fired at high temperatures of about 1200 to 1300 °C
– Non-porous or nearly waterproof
– Thick, durable and resistant to chipping
– Often grey, brown or cream in colour
Typical Uses
– Plates and bowls
– Coffee mugs
– Baking dishes
– Storage jars and crocks
Example
Many modern everyday ceramics and handmade pottery.
Faience
Faience is a type of glazed earthenware.
Characteristics
– Base material: earthenware
– Covered with an opaque white tin glaze
– Usually decorated with brightly painted designs
– Particularly developed in France and Italy
Typical Uses
– Decorative plates
– Tiles
– Ornamental ceramic objects
Example
Blue-and-white decorative plates from France or Italy.
Porcelain
Porcelain is regarded as the finest and hardest type of ceramic.
Characteristics
– Made from kaolin clay
– Fired at very high temperatures of about 1200 to 1450 °C
– Very dense and non-porous
– Thin, strong and sometimes translucent
– Characteristically white body
Typical Uses
– Fine china tableware
– Tea sets
– Decorative vases
– Electrical insulators
Example
Fine Chinese porcelain tea cups.
Comparison of the Ceramic Types
Earthenware
Firing temperature: low
Strength: low
Porosity: porous
Appearance: rustic, reddish or brown
Stoneware
Firing temperature: high
Strength: high
Porosity: largely non-porous
Appearance: thick-walled, often with matt glazes
Faience
Firing temperature: low, earthenware base
Strength: medium
Porosity: porous beneath the glaze
Appearance: white glaze with painted decoration
Porcelain
Firing temperature: very high
Strength: very high
Porosity: non-porous
Appearance: thin, white, sometimes translucent