What Is The Difference Between Pottery and Ceramics ？

In daily life, we often confuse “pottery” and “porcelain” and call them “ceramics”. Although the two words have a lot in common, for example, they both refer to fired clay products, in fact, there are significant differences between pottery and porcelain in terms of material, firing temperature, and some physical properties. Many people don’t pay much attention to these differences. SANTAI, as a professional pottery manufacturer, today we will analyze their differences in detail for you.

Differences In Firing Temperatures

The most fundamental difference between pottery and porcelain is their firing temperature. Pottery is usually fired at a temperature range of 800°C to 1200°C, while porcelain needs to be fired at a high temperature above 1200°C, with a common firing temperature range of 1000°C to 1400°C. Due to the different firing temperatures, the physical properties of pottery and porcelain are also very different.

If the temperature of pottery is fired too high, it may melt into glass, or bubbles may appear, and lose its original pottery characteristics. Therefore, the firing temperature is crucial to distinguishing pottery from porcelain.

Differences In Raw Materials

The choice of raw materials for pottery and porcelain is also different. Pottery can usually use a variety of mineral clays, including porcelain clay, and the composition of these raw materials is complex and diverse. The clays in different regions are also different, such as the clay in Yixing, China, and the clay in Jianshui, China. Each soil has unique characteristics and colors depending on its origin.

The raw material of porcelain is mainly kaolin, which is composed of clay minerals of the kaolinite family. It has a fine texture and is usually white, so porcelain often has a white and smooth appearance. Kaolin is resistant to high temperatures, allowing porcelain to withstand firing temperatures above 1200°C.

Easily Recognizable Features

Due to differences in firing temperatures and raw materials, earthenware and porcelain also differ in some significant characteristics. Here are three common differences that can help us easily distinguish pottery from porcelain in our daily lives:

Difference In Hardness

The firing temperature of pottery is low, and the body is not completely sintered, so the hardness is relatively low. Gently running a utility knife across the surface of the pottery will usually leave a scratch. Porcelain has a higher hardness and a hard surface, and is generally not easily scratched. Porcelain makes a crisp sound when struck, while pottery makes a duller sound.

Difference in Transparency

Pottery is generally opaque. Even if it is fired to a thickness similar to that of porcelain, it is still opaque due to the particularity of its raw materials. On the contrary, porcelain usually has a certain degree of light transmission, especially thin porcelain, and you can even see light passing through its surface.

Differences in Water Absorption

Pottery has strong water absorption, usually with a water absorption rate greater than 3%. If you break a pottery object, you will find that the broken cross-section is filled with holes, giving it a porous structure. The water absorption of porcelain is extremely low, and the water absorption rate is usually less than 3%. Even if the porcelain is broken, the cross section will be relatively dense with almost no holes.

Conclusion

Through the above-mentioned simple identification methods, we can easily distinguish pottery and porcelain. Although they are often collectively referred to as “ceramics” in daily life, they actually differ significantly in material, firing temperature, and physical properties. Whether we are choosing household items or appreciating ceramic art, understanding these differences can help us identify different types of ceramic products more professionally. I hope this article can help you better understand the difference between pottery and porcelain.