Stoneware is fired at very high temperatures so that it becomes non-porous, almost like glass. The heat literally melts down the microscopic holes until it's impervious. Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures and is porous. It can also be easily scratched and damaged, whereas stoneware resists scratches very, very well.
Stoneware is for all practical purposes
man-made stone. Just with other types
of pottery or china, clay has been formed
into a desired shaped and fired in a kiln to
make it hard and glass-like in its imperviousness
to liquids.
Earthenware, for example, is not
impervious and will absorb liquids. Porcelain
china is said to be a variety of stoneware
although always whiter in appearance.
In its natural state stoneware will appear gray
or brown, but typically glazes will be applied
before firing to make the stoneware any color
the manufacturer and consumer desires.
For this reason, on its surface, stoneware can
be difficult to tell apart from porcelain china.
Some consumers like natural, earth tones that
go well with any color of food and any home décor.
There are also many bright solid colors and bright
patterns available, including ornately hand-painted
designs that rival the finest of china.
The difference is the density. High fired pottery is very vitreous and will hold water. The clay particles have undergone more of a chemical bonding with each other , due to the high firing temperature. Low fired or earthenware pottery is less dense, or porous, allowing moisture to eventually seep through.
"Ceramics", in general, is science of working with clay and pottery.
At present, it is called to the art and technique of fabrication of objects and parts from clay with factor of heat; now, it is not limited to table ware like bowl, dish, pot, ...
Miscellaneous materials, are prepared with various methods from soil resources, consequently the word of "Ceramic" is converted to a more concise manufactures.
To have a clear definition, first, various kind of ceramic should be classified, considering its construction and make.
Kind of ceramic:
A) Structure:
1-Triaxial or compound body: These bodies are formed of three kinds of materials. The main part of those bodies consists of "Caoline", "Quartz" and "Feldspot".
2-Non tri-axial bodies: Consist of an irregular structure and a quantity of other ingredients.
B) Ceramic by make:
1-Earthenware
2-Stoneware
3-China
4-Porcelain
5-Special ceramics
Species of Earthenware
Considering to its combinations, earthenware is divided in a few species:
1-Natural, derived of one material with the most un-purity.
2-Fine, combined of more or less adhesive materials, having minimum un-purity.
3-Talc, is an earthenware with high strength, a very desired product due to tiny grains of talc.
4-Semi-Vitruse, is a combination of three main materials and has a medium porosity. Absorption of this earthenware is low and sometimes, it is taken by mistake with true china ware, owing to its transparency and fragility.
* http://www.caroun.com/Ceramic/General/Definition/Ceramic-4Earthenware.htm
Porcelain, Stoneware, Earthenware. There are also subcategories such as Terracotta earthenware, White stoneware, etc.
According to chefscatalog.com, their ambrosia dinnerware is made from stoneware.
Porcelain clay is a very fine material for very detailed and attractive ceramic products. It has a translucent nature and is more expensive than the clay used for earthenware and stoneware. It is fired in a kiln at temperatures between 1,200°C (2,192°F) and 1,400°C (2,552°F). For more information, see 'Related links' below.
Baked clay objects are most commonly referred to "ceramic" or "earthen," as in "an earthenware pot." Depending on the makeup of the clay and the baking process used, more specific terms may be used, such as: stoneware, earthenware and porcelain.
The stoneware won't, but if there are contaminants in it they could.
Porcelain, Stoneware, Earthenware. There are also subcategories such as Terracotta earthenware, White stoneware, etc.
stoneware
stoneware, pottery Stoneware and pottery are general categories, while an olla is specifically an earthenware crock
Stoneware is generally heavier than earthenware because it is fired at a higher temperature, making it denser and more durable. Earthenware is fired at a lower temperature and is more porous, resulting in a lighter weight.
According to chefscatalog.com, their ambrosia dinnerware is made from stoneware.
Ancient China .
simple patterns
Simple patterns
Earthenware and stoneware
Stoneware does not chip easily, however, earthenware does and is often marketed as stoneware. As usual, the quality of the original piece also enhances it's durability (or lack thereof). The following link is helpful: http://stoneware.seeleys.com/html/what_is_stoneware.html
Pfaltzgraff Patio Garden chips really easily. It's supposed to be stoneware but it is really junk. Stay away from it.
Porcelain clay is a very fine material for very detailed and attractive ceramic products. It has a translucent nature and is more expensive than the clay used for earthenware and stoneware. It is fired in a kiln at temperatures between 1,200°C (2,192°F) and 1,400°C (2,552°F). For more information, see 'Related links' below.