Pottery is the process of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other ceramic materials. These materials are fired at high temperatures in a pit or kiln and this causes a reaction that leads to permanent changes the strength and rigidity of the object change. There are three main types of pottery.

Earthenware is the easiest type of pottery it is also the easiest method and the softest. This kind of technique is heated at the lowest temperatures as low as 600 °C, and is normally fired below 1200 °C. This type of pottery however does not have to be fired.

Stoneware is a denser type of pottery that is stronger and is fired at a higher temperature between 1100 and 1300 degrees. Stoneware is typically coated with a glaze and fired again at a higher temperature. Stoneware is very strong and it has been used more for the kitchen or storage. Stoneware is still being made today in china.

Porcelain is finer the stoneware it is made by heating materials in a kiln to temperatures between 1,200 and 1,400 °. In China, porcelain is defined as pottery that is resonant when struck, it was originated in China. The strength of the porcelain are mainly because of the high temperatures the clay is fired at.