Pottery 101 - Earthenware, Stoneware and Kaolin

We often hear, from first time visitors to the gallery, "is there a difference between pottery and ceramics?"  The simple answer is that all clay is ceramic material. 

The three most common types of clay are earthenware, stoneware, and kaolin. 

• Earthenware, or common clay, contains many minerals, such as iron oxide (rust), and in its raw state may contain some sand or small bits of rock. Earthenware is a secondary clay that has been transported by moving water some distance, picking up minerals and other materials before settling in a river bed. Because of its many impurities, earthenware melts at a cooler temperature than other clays. Called a low-fire clay, earthenware fires (or bakes) in a temperature range of 1700 to 2100°F (926–1150°C). After firing, it is still porous and—unless glazed—is often white or gray. Earthenware is commonly used in the making of terra cotta pots, roofing tiles, and other low-fire ware. 

• Stoneware is a hard and durable clay that is fired to temperatures between 2100 and 2300°F (1205–1260°C). Its natural colors vary from light gray or tan to dark gray or chocolaty brown. Historically stoneware was used for crocks and jugs and is now typically used to make dinnerware.
  

• Kaolin, or china clay known as the purest clay. It is called a primary clay because it is found very near its source, kaolin has few impurities and is the main ingredient used in making porcelain. Because its particle size is larger than other clays, it is not very plastic. This means that in a moist unfired state, kaolin tears when it is bent. Kaolin is a high-fire clay, needing heat from 2335 to 2550°F (1280-1400°C), to vitrify. Fired porcelain can become very hard and translucent, its melted surface becoming so smooth and shiny that a glaze is not needed.
  

Pottery | Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/spot/clay.html#ixzz34ptVR7XR

All firing techniques are not created equal though, be sure to ask if your piece is dishwasher/microwave safe. We have included a guide on how to use your functional pottery piece in every day life

• put water into the piece at room temperature and then heat in the microwave.   (for example teapot or coffee cup) 
• put ingredients in your casserole dish and into cold oven then set to desired temperature (go ahead, use butter, pam or flour)
• put your beer stein, wine holder or wine cup in the freezer for 30 minutes or longer. This will keep your drink as cold as any ice cube ever could.
• wine holders can always double as a flower vase

We believe that our pieces are durable functional additions to your eating and living experiences. They aren't meant to be kept in your cabinets with the good china, use them every day. We promise your food will thank you.