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The term "ceramics" comes from the Ancient Greek word keramos, which denoted clay and the objects made from it by firing. The first ceramic materials appeared thousands of years ago and were used to make vessels, building elements and decorative objects. As production technologies developed, ceramics came to be used not only in everyday life but also in architecture and construction, thanks to improvements in their strength and durability.
In the modern sense, ceramics are a group of manufactured materials produced from mineral raw material by shaping followed by high-temperature firing. The main components of ceramic bodies are clays, kaolin, quartz and feldspars. The clay-bearing components give the initial mixture its plasticity, quartz affects the strength and stability of the structure, and feldspars take part in the sintering process during firing.
During high-temperature processing the material densifies and a dense structure with low porosity is formed. It is the composition of the raw material and the production conditions that determine the principal properties of ceramics: strength, water absorption, wear resistance and resistance to external influences.
One of the most widespread types of modern architectural ceramics is porcelain stoneware. It belongs to the high-density technical ceramics group and differs from ordinary ceramic tile in its lower water absorption and greater strength. Thanks to these properties, porcelain stoneware is widely used for cladding façades, floor coverings, worktops, stairs and other architectural applications.
The manufacture of ceramic products begins with the preparation of the mineral raw material. Clays, kaolin, quartz and feldspars are ground and mixed into a uniform body with the required properties.
Once the material has been prepared, the mixture is shaped by high-pressure pressing. The products are then dried and fired at high temperature. During this process the components sinter, a dense structure forms and the number of pores within the material is reduced.
The production of porcelain stoneware uses higher firing temperatures and a carefully selected raw material composition, which yields a material with very low water absorption and high mechanical strength.
After firing, products may undergo additional processing: grinding, polishing, precision edge finishing (rectification) or the application of decorative coatings. The final stage is quality control, during which the dimensions, appearance and principal technical properties of the products are checked.
The quality of ceramics is determined by the combination of composition, internal structure and physical characteristics. In assessing the material, consideration is given to strength, density, water absorption, wear resistance and durability under various service conditions.
One of the most important indicators is flexural strength, which characterises the material's ability to resist failure under external loads. Strength properties are significantly affected by porosity, the degree of sintering and the particular features of the microstructure. The denser the ceramic structure and the fewer internal pores it contains, the greater its strength and service life.
Quality assessment also involves analysing the chemical and mineral composition of the material and the make-up of the ceramic structure. These parameters determine dimensional stability and resistance to moisture, temperature change and other external factors.
Because of the particularities of production, ceramics may contain slight differences in colour, texture and pattern. These differences are part of the material's design and are not regarded as defects.
When buying, it is important to check the product for possible edge damage, cracks and unevenness. A uniform, well-finished surface ensures a better appearance and a longer service life.
The denser the ceramic structure and the lower its water absorption, the better the material retains its properties, the less it becomes soiled and the more resistant it is to moisture.
Polished ceramics have a smooth, glossy surface, while matt and structured surfaces are more practical and better conceal traces of use.
Thanks to its low porosity the material is easy to clean and resists most everyday contaminants. For care, use suitable cleaning products and avoid overly aggressive chemicals that may damage the surface. Read more about care →
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