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27 March 2023

Let’s clarify the difference between ceramics, majolica and porcelain

Ceramics, majolica and porcelain are three different materials that are traditionally used to create utensils, artworks and decorations for the home. At first glance, many people notice similarities and in everyday speech we tend to use the words ceramics and porcelain as if they were synonyms. But each of these materials has its own distinctive characteristics and are, in fact, all different. This is why it is important to understand the difference between ceramics, majolica and porcelain, as it will allow you to better appreciate their individual characteristics and make informed choices when purchasing ceramic items. 
 

What are ceramics and what is the difference between ceramics and porcelain?

If you are wondering what ceramics are exactly, you should know that their malleability is the result of a special mixture of water, clay, feldspars, silica sand, iron oxide and other elements. These components make the material so versatile, it can be shaped either by hand or machine, before being fired in a special kiln with a heat range of between 600 °C and 1,000 °C. Ceramics are a large family that can be divided into the following categories according to the nature of the clay and other ingredients that make up the mix, the firing temperature and the type of glaze and decoration required:
  • Earthenware, made of white clay, porous, usually glazed and decorated;
  • Majolica, made of red clay, porous, usually glazed and decorated;
  • Porcelain, made of white clay, compact, usually glazed and decorated;
  • Porcelain stoneware, made of red or white clay, compact, sometimes but not always glazed, decorated by hand or with a digital print.
The difference between ceramics and porcelain lies in the different ingredients chosen to create the mix, the firing temperatures and the technical characteristics of the end product. Porcelain contains kaolin and quartz and is fired at higher temperatures than ceramics (between 1,200 and 1,300 °C).
 

The difference between majolica and ceramics, and majolica and porcelain. What is majolica?

Unlike porcelain, which cannot be hand-crafted because of the kaolin in its make-up, majolica is, by definition, pure craftsmanship and decorated entirely by hand. Thanks to the various stages in its creation, the production of majolica is a byword for uniqueness that breathes life into finely hand-decorated items of prestigious value. These stages include:
  • Processing the raw material;
  • Bisque firing at 1.000 °C;
  • Glazing;
  • 24 to 48 hours drying;
  • Hand decoration;
  • Crystalline nebulisation;
  • Second firing at 800/900 °C
Categories:
Ceramics
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