What is Pottery and Ceramics?

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last update: 7 February 2022

Introduction

The world of pottery and ceramics is incredibly complex. We often encounter these materials in our kitchens and dining tables, where they serve both functional and aesthetic roles. But their significance extends far beyond domestic use; they are critical in numerous industrial sectors. To begin with, it is essential to distinguish between pottery and ceramics.

Pottery is essentially a type of ceramic but generally refers to items made from clay that are then fired at high temperatures. While porcelain is a specific form of pottery, different from earthenware, it is still considered pottery. The term 'ceramics' encompasses a broader range of materials typically formed by heating and subsequent cooling processes. The word ceramics is derived from the Greek word 'keramiká,' meaning "pottery." At its core, a crystalline solid—commonly referred to in ceramics—implies that its atomic structure is highly ordered.

Each term—pottery, ceramics, and crystalline solids—carries its distinct definition but collectively defines a limited set of materials. Ceramics are solid products made from inorganic, non-metallic materials like magnesia (MgO) or silicon carbide (SiC) that are produced through heating and cooling. While there are approximately 30 different types of "pure" clays, most natural clay deposits are a mixture of these types. An effective way to simplify the understanding of clay is to categorize it as either earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain.

Earthenware, usually fired at temperatures below 1,200°C, tends to absorb liquids unless coated with a ceramic glaze. Stoneware, fired at higher temperatures, is more dense, hard, and nonporous. Porcelain involves a more refined process, composed primarily of kaolin, and is often fired between 1,200°C and 1,400°C.

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