Stoneware: Pots That Are Tough!

Stoneware is like the superhero of pottery! It's fired in a super hot oven, hotter than your oven at home, to make it really strong. This means it doesn't soak up water like a sponge. Think of a regular cup versus a super-duper strong mug that can handle anything!

People all over the world figured out how to make stoneware all by themselves! It happened after they learned to make softer pottery but before they learned to make super fancy porcelain. It’s like learning to ride a bike before you learn to do a backflip!

Because it's so strong and doesn't let water through, people used it for all sorts of things! They made plates, bowls, and even pretty vases. It’s like having a super reliable toy that you can play with every day without it breaking.

The secret is super high heat! Stoneware is baked at temperatures around 1,100 to 1,300 degrees Celsius. That's hotter than a volcano's lava! This makes the clay melt together just enough to become super hard and waterproof.