Kiln

pottery · heat · ancient crafts · materials

Ancient invention. Kilns have been used for thousands of years to turn soft clay into strong pottery, tiles, and bricks. People first figured out this amazing trick so long ago that we're not even sure exactly when.

Magical heat transformation. When clay sits in a kiln at very high temperatures, it goes through a chemical change that makes it rock hard and waterproof. Once clay is fired in a kiln, it can never turn back into soft clay again.

More than just pottery. Modern kilns aren't just for clay anymore. Factories use giant rotary kilns shaped like spinning tubes to make cement, glass, metals, and all kinds of industrial materials by heating them to extreme temperatures.

Insulated hot box. A kiln is specially designed with thick walls that trap heat inside, kind of like a super-powered thermos. This insulation lets the temperature get incredibly high and stay hot enough to do the job.

Artist's best friend. Potters and ceramic artists depend on kilns to finish their creations. Different kiln temperatures and styles can create different colors, textures, and finishes on the same piece of clay.