Ceramics 

Ceramics is special type of clay used for pottery, bricks kitchen wares, etc. Chemically, it is a hydrated aluminium silicate (Al₂O₃.Si0₂.2H₂0). It may have other substances such as magnesium, carbonates, oxides of manganese, limestone and iron. The pure white clay is also known as kaolin or china clay. 

Production of different materials from ceramics 

The clay is crushed, ground and sieved. It is then mixed with water to make paste. Then, it is given different shapes on a potter's wheel. Then, it is dried and heated in kilns at high temperature. Heating makes the objects hard and strong and make them durable but still is porous and absorbs water. So, now it is coated with tin oxide or lead oxide and then again heated. This process is called glazing. Glazing makes the object waterproof and beautiful. It is also painted with metal salts and different designs to make it more attractive. 

Ceramics can withstand high temperatures. It is resistant to chemicals, poor conductors of heat and electricity and is hard and brittle. Because of all these properties, they are widely used for following purposes. 

1. Ceramics are used to make different kitchen wares such as cup, plates, bowls and dishes.

2. Being poor conductor of electricity, they are used as insulators in electrical appliances.

3. They are used to make artificial teeth and bone joints.

4. They are also used to make bathroom tiles, sinks, commodes, roof tiles and bricks.