Which clay body fires to the highest possible cone for the longest amount of time and what temperature would that be?
Where could I buy this clay? Name Brands???
Does putting a glaze on the material make it physically stronger....or not....? More resistant to temperature extremes....or not.....?
Does the stoneware become weaker by firing it more than once?
Thank you in advance for your help. Mary
Cone 12 is the highest cone, at 2471degrees F at a heating rate of 540 degree rise per hour. I do not know of anyone firing to this temperature. Usually around cone 10 (2426degrees F at a heating rate of 540 degrees per hour) Some industrial ceramic compounds are fired to even greater temperatures, but you will not have access to the equipment needed to reach those temperatures. You're going to have a bit of luck just getting to cone 11 or 12 with a standard kiln! Please remember that "cone" refers to not only temperature, but heat work as well. How long it's fired, at what degree rise how long it soaked at a given temp, etc. You would be better off using the word "temperature" for your inquiry above.
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More resistant to temperature extremes....or not.....?
No. Except in rare cases. It really depends on the formula of the clay body and the formula of the glaze.
Generally no, unless you repeatedly fire to a temperature it was not meant for ( too high) or underfire it (and it fails to mature). Bear in mind that the word "stoneware" applies to at least 3450 (maybe more) different types of clay, all different formulations and materials. Pick one. But most clay bodies generally follow the rule above.
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