Types of Ceramics

Interested in different types of ceramics? Read on! If not, may we suggest shopping our 'NEW' category or checking out our socials?

Archeologists trace ceramic origins back thousands of years, from artistic figurines to more practical uses like storing grains in ceramic vessels. The first pieces of ceramic date back to to at least 25,000 BC. The most popular types of ceramics are: terracotta, stoneware, earthenware, porcelain, and bone china. Most of what you see in home decor is either stoneware or earthenware. Not all ceramic types are water tight which is why we will usually list in our product copy if a vase can or cannot hold water.

Properties:

• Earthenware - fired at relatively low temperatures between 1,000 to 1,150 degrees which results in a hardened but brittle material which is also slightly porous and therefore can not be used to contain water
• Stoneware - dense pottery fired at high temperatures to make it resistant to liquids (non-porous). It is made from clay, but is more durable than other kinds of pottery and earthenware. Stoneware gets its name from its stone-like qualities
• Terracotta - known for its reddish, unglazed finish terracotta is low-fired, durable and best at drawing moisture out of soil which makes it a perfect planter
• Porcelain - considerable strength, hardness, whiteness, translucency, and resonance; and a high resistance to corrosive chemicals
• Bone China - considered to be the highest quality ceramic and identified by its whiteness and translucency - durable, chip-resistant, beautiful. Its high strength allows it to be produced in thinner cross-sections than other types of porcelain

Now you know a little bit about what makes up some of our most beautiful decor. Time to shop vases!