What do you have in your kitchen? I'm sure you probably have a fridge, a stove, and perhaps a dishwasher. What's in your cupboard? Most kitchens are equipped with mugs, plates, bowls, and cups. I'm sure that they have a nice design and interesting shapes, but what are they made out of? In the "more economical" kitchens they may be made out of plastic, but the most common materials are: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Although we may have heard of these materials before, do we know what they are? We will be examining the differences between these three materials in this article.
Earthenware
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Earthenware is what is known as a "low-fired" clay. This means that it is fired at a low temperature (usually around'15 degrees Fahrenheit). Made from a white and porous clay, it is sometimes called "ceramics" or "ceramic ware".
Stoneware
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Stoneware is a "high-fired" clay, and as a result, is much stronger. It is fired at about 2185 degrees Fahrenheit, and becomes vitreous (i.e.: having the nature of glass). After firing it becomes sturdy and chip-resistant.
Porcelain
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Porcelain is made out of a number of ingredients. A pale clay (such as china white) is the main material. Other materials, such as glass, granite, and feldspar are ground, and then added to the clay. Enough water is added to make the mixture workable. After working this mixture into the shape you want, it is fired in a bisque kiln at a moderate temperature. After glazing and a "high-temperature" firing, you have a piece of pottery that is delicate and translucent.
Telling the Difference
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Now that we know a bit about each, how do we tell them apart? Here's the process:
1) Is it porcelain? The first thing to keep in mind is that porcelain is translucent, while stoneware and earthenware are not. Hold the item up to the light. Can you see the light shining through? If so, then it is porcelain.
2) We now know that it is either earthenware or stoneware. How do we tell the difference between these two? Check out the weight of the item. Is it rather heavy for its size? If so, it's probably stoneware.
3) If the piece looks like hand-made pottery, then it is stoneware. Stoneware, unlike earthenware, will have a texture to it.
4) If the piece you are holding has a chip in it, take a close look at it. Is the area very white and "chalky" looking? Can you scrape off a bit more material with your fingernail? If so, then it's probably earthenware. Earthenware (once it has been fired) has a white, chalky look. Stoneware has a darker, textured look.
5) Is any part of the item is unglazed, see if there is textured clay showing through. If so, it's stoneware.
Did you enjoy this little journey into the world of dinner set materials. We now know that porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware are the three main options. More information on dinner sets is available on our blog. - 29956
Earthenware
----------------
Earthenware is what is known as a "low-fired" clay. This means that it is fired at a low temperature (usually around'15 degrees Fahrenheit). Made from a white and porous clay, it is sometimes called "ceramics" or "ceramic ware".
Stoneware
--------------
Stoneware is a "high-fired" clay, and as a result, is much stronger. It is fired at about 2185 degrees Fahrenheit, and becomes vitreous (i.e.: having the nature of glass). After firing it becomes sturdy and chip-resistant.
Porcelain
-----------
Porcelain is made out of a number of ingredients. A pale clay (such as china white) is the main material. Other materials, such as glass, granite, and feldspar are ground, and then added to the clay. Enough water is added to make the mixture workable. After working this mixture into the shape you want, it is fired in a bisque kiln at a moderate temperature. After glazing and a "high-temperature" firing, you have a piece of pottery that is delicate and translucent.
Telling the Difference
--------------------------
Now that we know a bit about each, how do we tell them apart? Here's the process:
1) Is it porcelain? The first thing to keep in mind is that porcelain is translucent, while stoneware and earthenware are not. Hold the item up to the light. Can you see the light shining through? If so, then it is porcelain.
2) We now know that it is either earthenware or stoneware. How do we tell the difference between these two? Check out the weight of the item. Is it rather heavy for its size? If so, it's probably stoneware.
3) If the piece looks like hand-made pottery, then it is stoneware. Stoneware, unlike earthenware, will have a texture to it.
4) If the piece you are holding has a chip in it, take a close look at it. Is the area very white and "chalky" looking? Can you scrape off a bit more material with your fingernail? If so, then it's probably earthenware. Earthenware (once it has been fired) has a white, chalky look. Stoneware has a darker, textured look.
5) Is any part of the item is unglazed, see if there is textured clay showing through. If so, it's stoneware.
Did you enjoy this little journey into the world of dinner set materials. We now know that porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware are the three main options. More information on dinner sets is available on our blog. - 29956
About the Author:
Learn more about the world of the dinner set. Stop by Diana Richards's site where you can find out all about dinner sets, and which one will work best for you.
