Clay - A finely grained natural rock or soil material that is composed mainly of hydrous aluminum silicates but also contains metal oxides and organic material.

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Ceramics- Objects made of clay that are fired at a high temperature where a chemical change occurs and makes it permanently hard and unable to return to a soft state.

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Types of Clay Bodies

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Earthenware- A low fire clay that is porous and only made water proof by glazing.

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Terra Cotta- A brownish-orange earthenware clay body commonly used for sculpture and planters.

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Stoneware- A mid to high fire clay that is waterproof even without glaze; the resulting ware is sturdier than earthenware. This type of clay is what we use in class.

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Porcelain- True porcelain was being made in china and Korea around 960 AD. Porcelain is a combination of Kaolin (pure, white, primary clay) silica and feldspar. When worked and fired properly, it is much like glass, including being somewhat translucent.