Clay vs. Ceramic: What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
This isn't a comparison - they're the same material at different stages. Clay is the raw, unfired material. Ceramic is clay that has been fired in a kiln. All ceramics start as clay.
Clay (Raw Material)
- • Soft and moldable
- • Contains water (20-30%)
- • Can be reshaped
- • Not permanent
- • Not waterproof
- • State: Before firing
Ceramic (Fired Clay)
- • Hard and permanent
- • No water remaining
- • Cannot be reshaped
- • Permanent form
- • Waterproof (when glazed)
- • State: After firing
The Transformation:
Clay → (Kiln firing 1000-1400°C) → Ceramic
Firing permanently changes clay's molecular structure. Once fired, clay becomes ceramic and can never return to clay.