Raw clay materials will dissolve in water if not fired. The firing temperature determines the density (porosity) of the clay type. Higher firing temperatures will create a denser ceramic body that absorbs less water, making it less porous, and determining the strength of the item. The more water a clay body absorbs after firing, the weaker it is, however these weaker, more porous items are highly suitable for other uses such as hand painting as will be explained in the Earthenware section below.

• Bone China
  Bone China is the English form of Porcelain. It is regarded as the highest quality and most expensive. Bone China is fired to a glass like property and cannot absorb fluids or food as it has a 0% water absorption rate. It is brilliant white and highly translucent allowing light to pass through as if slightly transparent. It is glazed to create a perfectly smooth, glossy surface. Although this type of ceramic looks and feels quite delicate, it is surprisingly strong. It is fired at high temperatures and is extremely hard and durable. What separates Bone China from Porcelain, Stoneware and Earthenware is the fact that it contains actual animal bone, most commonly cattle bone, which has been burnt and ground into a fine powder.
• Porcelain
  Porcelain has many of the qualities of bone china with an absorption rate of 0-1%1, but is less expensive and it does not contain the animal bone ash. Like Bone China, it is fired to create a hard, non-porous, glass like surface, commonly glazed, translucent, (but to a lesser extent than Bone China) and is particularly strong. It is very suitable for use with foods and is well suited for use in microwave and conventional ovens.
• Stoneware
  Stoneware is midway between Porcelain and Earthenware. It has a higher proportion of china stone than Earthenware, which ensures it is non-porous, but unlike Porcelain and Bone China it is opaque and once fired exhibits stone like characteristics such as a dense surface with variegated color. It is usually less expensive than Bone China and Porcelain and is extremely well suited for use in both microwave and conventional ovens. Stoneware is extremely strong.
• Earthenware
  Earthenware is the cheapest form of ceramic. Unlike Bone China, Porcelain and Stoneware, Earthenware is the most porous of all varieties and is fired at very low temperatures. It is opaque and not as strong as the previous varieties. As with Porcelain, if it is to be used with foodstuffs and fluids,it must always be glazed. As it is porous, Earthenware is one of the best suited clay bodies for hand painting as the wet paints are readily absorbed onto the clay ready for firing. Most earthenware is hand decorated and glazed, which with low firing temperatures allows for a more intense color result. There are different quality variations within the category of Earthenware, including Ironstone and Dolomite.
  • Ironstone and Dolomite
    Being made up of different proportions of the Earthenware mix, and fired at different temperatures, Ironstone and Dolomite have their own unique qualities.
  • Ironstone
    Ironstone is heavier, stronger and is suitable for dishwashers, conventional and microwave ovens having being fired at a higher temperature.
  • Dolomite
    Dolomite is extremely lightweight and is used more for highly decorative items making it ideal for large serving platters and ornamental giftware. It is not suitable for conventional ovens and is not as strong as Ironstone as low firing temperatures are required for the best, intense colors results.