At what temperature is earthenware commonly fired?

Earthenware is typically fired at temperatures ranging from about 1000°C to 1200°C. The correct answer reflects this common firing range, with 1200°C being on the higher end. Firing earthenware at this temperature allows it to mature adequately, ensuring the clay becomes durable and less porous, resulting in a stronger product.

Firing earthenware below this range may lead to incomplete vitrification, which means the clay body has not fully transformed into a hardened material and may remain fragile and absorbent. Higher temperatures, like those in the range of 1400°C, are more characteristic of stoneware or porcelain, which require different characteristics in firing for their respective clay bodies. Therefore, 1200°C is the ideal range for achieving the right balance of strength and porosity in earthenware.