---
title: "Earthenware versus stoneware"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:earthenware-stoneware"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/earthenware-stoneware
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Earthenware versus stoneware

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 3: Clay Products

- Asked in: 2080 Baisakh, 2 marks
- Video: [Earthenware, Stoneware and Porcelain - difference in composition and their respective properties.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yCKr_IElXg) — Tania Goldberg Pottery
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/earthenware-stoneware
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-3

## Question

Differentiate between earthenware and stoneware.

## Short answer

Earthenware is made from ordinary clay, fired at 1000–1100°C, porous, and requires glazing for watertightness. Stoneware uses refined plastic clay with flint and feldspar, fired at 1200–1300°C, is vitrified, non-porous, stronger, and often unglazed.

## Answer

| Basis | Earthenware | Stoneware |
|---|---|---|
| Clay used | Ordinary clay, with iron content | Refined plastic clay, with flint and feldspar |
| Burning temperature | Low, about 1000 to 1100 °C | High, about 1200 to 1300 °C |
| Porosity | Porous unless glazed | Almost non-porous and vitrified |
| Strength | Lower | Higher, strong and durable |
| Colour | Red, brown or buff | Grey, brown or cream |
| Glazing | Needed to make it watertight | Often not needed (salt glaze optional) |
| Examples | Flower pots, tiles, bricks | Drainage pipes, sanitary ware, chemical containers |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Stoneware is burnt at:
   A. About 1000-1100 degrees C
   B. About 500 degrees C
   C. About 1200-1300 degrees C
   D. About 100 degrees C
   Answer: C. Earthenware is lower at 1000-1100 C. (Key point: Burning temperature)

2. Which is almost non-porous and vitrified?
   A. Earthenware
   B. Both equally
   C. Neither
   D. Stoneware
   Answer: D. Earthenware is porous unless glazed. (Key point: Porosity)

3. Drainage pipes and sanitary ware are made of:
   A. Stoneware
   B. Earthenware
   C. Plain bricks
   D. Terracotta only
   Answer: A. Earthenware is for flower pots and tiles. (Key point: Uses)

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