What are the characteristics of stoneware clay?

Stoneware clay is characterized by its ability to withstand high firing temperatures which typically range between 1,200°C and 1,300°C (2,192°F to 2,372°F). This high-fired nature contributes to its strength and durability, making it highly suitable for functional pottery like dinnerware, cooking vessels, and utility items. Unlike earthenware, which is fired at lower temperatures and is more porous, stoneware is vitrified during firing, resulting in a non-porous finish that enhances its durability and makes it resistant to chipping and cracking.

The durable quality of stoneware allows it to be used in a variety of practical applications, as well as for artistic sculpture and pottery. Its ability to retain heat and withstand thermal shock are also significant traits, making it versatile in both craft and functional contexts. This high firing process also allows for a wide range of finishes and glazes, further enhancing its appeal in both functional and decorative objects.

Other options focus on qualities such as being soft and malleable, which are characteristics more associated with earthenware and other clays, while the suggestion of being only for decorative purposes undermines the functional use for which stoneware is well-known.