| Many people have not come into contact with | | | | Well-Known Uses for Ceramics |
| ceramic art decorations and objects since Junior | | | | Art sculptures |
| High. However, even in today's technologically | | | | Dishes |
| advanced society, ceramics still serve as a | | | | Platters |
| multi-purpose material. | | | | Kitchen wear |
| What are Ceramics? | | | | Kitchen tiles |
| You may not remember from school, but | | | | Bathroom structures (toilet, bathtub) |
| ceramics are made by burning shaped pieces of | | | | Lesser-Known Uses for Ceramics |
| pottery. Ceramics start out as clay, which is then | | | | Computers |
| formed by an artist, or student, then coated with | | | | Tools |
| a glaze and heated in a kiln. | | | | Dental replacements |
| This form of art was created many years ago | | | | Engine parts |
| and is still a highly touted art form today. While | | | | Tiles on space shuttles |
| first used as the industry standard for making | | | | Up until reading this list you probably were |
| pottery, plates, bowls, and cups, the industry has | | | | unaware of just how diverse ceramic materials |
| moved on to more expedient and cost effective | | | | are. Ceramics can actually be used for almost |
| methods. However, unique, one of kind ceramic | | | | everything. Though we hardly notice, ceramics |
| objects are highly sought after today and can be | | | | play a very important role in our day to day lives. |
| a lucrative business to highly talented artists. Of | | | | Without them we would not have many of the |
| course, it takes years of style development and | | | | items listed above. |
| practice to reach such a great pinnacle, but for | | | | Future Uses for Ceramics |
| most artists, this form of artwork is not done | | | | Just like plastic, scientists are just realizing the |
| with the idea of making money. | | | | potential success ceramic material possesses, |
| Even though the old way of making ceramics is | | | | especially in regards to the medical and health |
| no longer the industry standard, there is still a | | | | industry. Ceramics are being used to help create |
| small market for this method. Today, a great | | | | devices that can sense our needs and |
| majority of ceramic art and decoration is made | | | | automatically deliver medicine to us. Ceramics are |
| by machines, never even being touched by a | | | | also being experimented with in hip, knee and |
| human hand until the final product is complete. | | | | shoulder replacement surgeries, and may even |
| This automation of a craft that used to be done | | | | one day replace diseased heart valves. |
| entirely by hand has made it possible for | | | | The possibilities ceramic materials provide are |
| companies to mass produce creative and diverse | | | | almost endless. Ceramics' amazing electric, |
| products; however, many artists feel that this | | | | mechanical, thermal, optical, and magnetic abilities |
| method lacks the personal, human quality that | | | | are remarkable. From medicinal uses to |
| truly makes the artwork unique. | | | | technological advances, ceramics truly have a |
| Regardless of the many beliefs and methods | | | | profound effect on our lives and our world. |
| involved in ceramics, here are some well known | | | | Ceramics have already changed the way we live |
| uses, as well as some not so well known uses for | | | | and are now in the process of changing how long |
| ceramics. | | | | we live. |