All About Ceramics

Ceramics come to be when different kinds ofand formal patterns.
stone is ground into a fine powder, then mixedAnother kind of ceramic is Stoneware. This is a
with water until what results is a paste likedense kaolin, fired between 1200 -1450 degrees
substance. This resulting paste is appropriatelyto create a very porous ceramic. It's neither
formed and fired in a and oven called a kiln attranslucent or heavy and chips more easily than
very high temperatures until the particles of stoneporcelain or bone china. Stoneware has a casual
melt and fuse together to create a strong glassappearance and is generally glazed in muted earth
like substance.tones. It can have fine detail or be rough and
Bone China is a very glass like, smooth,grainy. Stoneware is quite a bit more affordable
non-porous pottery. It's made from bone ash,than porcelain or bone china.
china stone and fine china clay or kaolin. BoneEarthenware a coarse, porous pottery and fired
china is light weight and thin, and is fired at veryat a low temperature between 800-1000 degrees.
high temperatures. You'll find that bone chinaEarthenware chips quite easily and has a casual
patterns tend to be more formal and despite it'sappearance. It formed by hand and is often
delicate appearance doesn't chip very easily. It hasglazed in bright colors.
the distinction of being the finest and mostWhen considering care for your ceramics you
expensive dishware available.should always follow the manufacturer's
Porcelain is another non-porous pottery. It's madeinstructions. Keeping in mind that direct heat
from fine kaolin and is fired at more 1250sources can and do cause rapid changes in
degrees. porcelain is a translucent, thin and lighttemperature. These changes can cause cracking.
weight dishware that originated in China. Though itThis aversion to heat means you should never
appears quite delicate it's actually stronger thanput your antique or any fine ceramics in the
stoneware. Price wise, porcelain is generally lessdishwasher.
expensive than bone china and is available in casual