Stoneware

Stoneware is a dense, strong, hard, and impermeable clay that is normally only partially vitrified (fired to the point that it is not porous). It is therefore normally glazed and fired at temperatures between 2,000° and 2,400° F to vitrify the glazes and make the piece watertight. Unlike porcelain, which is almost always white, stoneware today can be made in a large variety of earth colors. This type of clay can be easily worked and painted with underglazes, glazes, overglazes, enamels, and more, and is excellent for hand-building and wheel throwing. This makes stoneware clay a popular clay to use for tableware. Stoneware also distributes heat evenly (great for mugs!), and usually can stand up to microwave and dishwasher use when properly made.