Clay may be defined as an earthly mineral substance, which becomes plastic when wet and hard and rock-like when fired.
What do we mean by plastic here ?
Clay minerals all have a great affinity for water. Some swell easily and may double in thickness when wet which makes it easily moldable in that state.
Earthenware pots
Stoneware bowl
Porcelain vase
| Earthenware | Stoneware | Porcelain |
|---|---|---|
| Low fired | High fired | High fired |
| 600°C - 1200°C | 1200°C-1300°C | 1305℃ and 1346℃ |
| Least durable | Durable | Most durable |
| Highly porous | Mildly porous | Least porous |
| Inexpensive | Moderately expensive | Highly Expensive |
*All the above clays are non-porous after applying glaze.
We will be working with stoneware clay because of it’s workability and range of glazes that can be made and applied to the wares.