List of Pottery Terms - M

M

• Majolica or maiolica Earthenware developed in Majorca which is Tin-glazed and overpainted with oxides. Similar pottery is known in France as Faience and The UK as Deftware.

• Matte glaze A dull-surfaced glaze with no gloss.

• Maturing temperature The temperature at which a glaze exhibits it best qualities.

• Maturity. The combined effects of firing time and firing temperature on ceramic wares in a kiln. Within limits, wares fired at low temperatures for extended periods may develop a degree of maturity similar to that achieved by applying higher firing temperatures for shorter periods. (W)

• Modulus of Rupture. The maximum transverse breaking stress applied under specified conditions, that a material will withstand before fracture. It is used as a common quality control test used for both ceramic rawmaterials and ceramic bodies. (W)

• Muffle kiln. A kiln used for firing enamelled decoration, constructed so as to protect wares from direct flame and from smoke, soot, ash and other contaminants.

• Mullite Interlocking needlelike crystals of aluminium silicate responsible for toughness and hardness of porcelain which form in high-temperature bodies.