What Is Stoneware?

Stoneware is a semi-vitreous or vitreous
ceramic ware, which is much less porous
than earthenware. Vitreous means 'like glass',
stoneware is termed as vitreous because
after it is finished, it has a distinct look of
glass. Interestingly, stoneware has been
named that way, because many people
believe it to be a man made stone.
Stoneware has strong characteristics of
being as hard as stone. Stoneware is distinctly
less porous than earthenware.

Making of Stoneware Pottery;
Making stoneware is very similar to earthenware,
but there are some key differences. First of all,
stoneware can be made using a pottery wheel or
it can be directly made. Once you have given shape
to the clay, allow it to dry completely. Now you
can apply glaze to it. Keep the article in the kiln
and fire it up. Temperature is another key issue
over here. Stoneware is fired up at about 1200ºC.
These high temperatures are responsible for the
characteristic hard finish of the stoneware.

Earthenware vs Stoneware

Attribute-                          Earthenware     Stoneware
Temperature of baking-      1000ºC            1200ºC
Porosity-                            More Porous   Less Porous
Vitreous-                            Less Vitreous   More Vitreous
Hardness-                           Less Hard       More Hard

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