Glossary

Ceramics have been known to man since prehistory and are inorganic materials, normally made by mixing clays, feldspars, sands and water. Before firing, the mixture is malleable and ductile. Once the mix has been fired, at a temperature varying between 700 °C and 1400 °C, it is fixed in the required shape and becomes rigid and very hard-wearing. There are various types of ceramics: with low porosity, such as stoneware and porcelains, and porous, such as majolicas and terracotta.

Ceramics of Italy is quality mark registered in 2009 by Confindustria Ceramica, the Association that represents, connects, informs and assists Italian producers of ceramic tiles, refractory materials, sanitary ware, tableware and ceramics for industrial use. The quality mark is intended to safeguard all Italian ceramics manufactured in Italy and its connotations extend beyond the strictly geographical, since Made in Italy status implies values such as quality, design, innovation and environmental sustainability, with which Italian products in all fields are associated worldwide. Ceramics of Italy embodies all these values combined with the manufacture of ceramic floor and wall tiles.