Clay is the longest-existing and most popular ceramic material used for building and creating things. It was the prehistoric humans who discovered the useful properties of this material and used it for making pottery in particular. In 9000 BCE, clay-based ceramics became popular and were mainly used for food and water, however, clay was also used for tiles, art objects, and much more.
Speaking of clay, you should know that there are two types from which you can choose – earthenware and stoneware.
What Is Earthenware Clay?
Well, earthenware clay is one of the oldest types of clay used for pottery making. This clay is made from coarse-grain clay and it has been used for thousands of years. Over the years, this clay has been a bit modified and made from a reddish type of earthenware also known as terracotta.
Practice shows that terracotta earthenware clay is the easiest to work with and is perfect for anyone who’s into pottery but especially for beginners. This type of clay is fired at a relatively low temperature and it makes the clay more porous and susceptible to breakage. However, if handling it right, you won’t have any kind of problem.
In order to improve its strength and waterproofness you should glaze it, and one of its main uses is for making vases, pots, roof tiles and a range of pottery.
What Is Stoneware Clay?
Well, stoneware clay is a form of pottery that is fired at higher temperatures, unlike the previous type of clay. Thanks to this, you can have peace of mind that this is an extremely durable type of material which also happens to be non-porous. When glazed, this clay will obtain a smooth texture and glossy finish and this precisely is what makesit the ideal choice for ceramic for dinnerware. Being used for handling food means that dinnerware and drinkware made from it can withstand the higher temperatures in microwaves and dishwashers.
As you can see, the purpose of these clays is different, so when in need of some kind of clay for making vases, tiles and different kinds of pottery, then you should certainly invest in the terracotta earthenware clay as one of the sturdiest and most durable for the purpose. Cooking in a terracotta clay pot is known as one of the safest and healthiest ways of cooking in a pot. That’s because clay is a non-reactive material that won’t leach anything during cooking. Otherwise, you should invest in the other type of clay.
A List of Key Differences
Porosity
Well, as you may already know by now, the main difference between these two types of clay lies in their level of porosity. While earthenware is more porous than stoneware, still it is one of the most favoured materials because it allows for being glazed which adds to its sturdiness and durability and can be even compared to stoneware.
Strength
When compared, it seems that stoneware is harder and more durable than earthenware, however, this doesn’t change the fact that it is one of the best materials for creating garden pots. The reason for this is that this clay allows for a certain amount of water to escape from it, so you’ll be able to water the plant, without fearing that the planter will keep the excess water in it. This will certainly reduce the chances of your plants dying.
Stoneware, on the other hand, is much sturdier than earthenware, however, this material for instance isn’t better for being used for pots. As you can see, each of them has its pros and cons and should be used according to the need.
Firing Temperature The firing temperature of products made from earthenware is around 1100 degrees Celsius while the one of stoneware is around 1300 degrees Celsius. The low firing temperature allows for obtaining a more porous and rustic appearance.
Durability
Being more porous means that it is less durable than ceramic due to its low firing temperature. This means that it is more susceptible to moisture absorption which means that it won’t withstand extreme temperature changes. Ceramic, on the other hand, is fired at higher temperatures which makes them extremely durable.
Appearance
Terracotta is known for its warm appearance and its unique brown reddish colour which is a result of the clay’s iron content. Even though it is usually left unglazed in order to show its natural texture, still, it allows for being glazed.
Ceramic products, on the other hand, are available in a large selection of colours, finishes, textures and patterns. Just like terracotta, this material also allows for being glazed in order to create a smooth and glossy finish.
When searching for the right terracotta clay, make sure you buy it from a trusted store that sells quality and genuine earthenware clay.
Aussie Daily Lifestyle 
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