Stoneware is a type of pottery made from special clay that's fired (baked in a kiln) at very high temperatures, usually between 2,100 and 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat transforms the clay into something remarkably strong and durable: harder than regular pottery but not as delicate as porcelain.

The high firing temperature causes the clay particles to fuse together tightly, creating a dense, waterproof material even without glaze. This makes stoneware perfect for items that need to hold liquids, like mugs, pitchers, and crocks. Before refrigeration, families stored pickles, butter, and other foods in large stoneware crocks because they helped keep the contents cool and fresh.

You've probably eaten from stoneware dishes: many everyday plates, bowls, and coffee mugs are made from it. Potters love working with stoneware because it's forgiving to shape, strong enough for daily use, and comes in beautiful earthy colors ranging from gray to brown to cream. While earthenware (fired at lower temperatures) stays somewhat porous and fragile, stoneware becomes tough enough to survive the dishwasher, microwave, and countless trips from cabinet to table and back again.