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Ceramics refers to a broad category of inorganic, non-metallic solids comprising elements, typically metal or metalloid elements, which are bonded by covalent and ionic bonds. These materials are formed by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. Traditional ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, are made from clay minerals and are often used for pottery, tableware, and decorative items. Their properties include hardness, brittleness, and resistance to heat and corrosion.

Advanced ceramics, also known as technical ceramics, are engineered for specific, high-performance applications. These materials, which can include oxides, nitrides, and carbides, exhibit exceptional properties such as high strength, extreme hardness, excellent electrical insulation, and resistance to wear and high temperatures. Examples of advanced ceramics include alumina, silicon carbide, and zirconia, which are utilized in industries like aerospace, electronics, medicine, and manufacturing for components like engine parts, cutting tools, and biomedical implants. The manufacturing processes for ceramics often involve shaping raw materials and then firing them at high temperatures in kilns.