 |
|
MADEIRA HARVEST COLLECTION CASA STONE by CASAFINA Casa Stone is made in Portugal where the finest ironstone is found. The stone ware is extremely durable. It resists scratching and maintains it's lustrous beauty. Casa Stone can be stored in the refrigerator and freezer, then popped into the microwave or conventional oven. It is completely dishwasher safe as well. The beautiful colors have a subtle handbrushed antique finish with a carved fruit cluster. The uniquely shaped pieces are made for ease of use in storing and handling as well as for artistic beauty. Madeira harvest is available in the following colors: Robin's Egg Blue, Vanilla Creme, Sage Green, Smoked Salmon Dijon Gold Madeira Harvest is durable for every day use and beautiful for entertaining. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The collection on this page is in Dijon Gold. ------------------------------------------------------------------Some pieces may not be pictured in Dijon Gold but all pieces are available in all colors. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Process for the Production of Casa Stone Casa Stone fine Portuguese Stoneware is unique among stoneware products. The raw materials for the body are prepared at a refinery that has the latest technology for producing a quality ceramic body. There are many steps involved in milling and screening the liquid material to remove foreign elements before the clays are ready for forming. Casa Stone is comprised of three Portuguese natural clays that are finely milled and blended together. One of the clays is kaolin, which is also used in the production of fine porcelain. Kaolin is pure silicate and gives whiteness to the body. Deposits of this high quality clay are only found in Feldspar, also comprised of silicates, represents 30% of the body and adds strength by fusing under high temperatures. Silica, which is a glass-like ingredient, helps to bond the other four elements (three clays and the feldspar) together into a uniform body. Independent laboratory tests in an autoclave oven have proven that Casa Stone can withstand the rigors of daily use in a dishwasher and ovens. Other ceramic products have deteriorated in a comparable period of time. Casa Stone is fired for 11 hours in a continuous tunnel kiln at 2156 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is a totally vitrified body which has an absorption rate of less than three tenths (0.3) of one percent. Products with higher absorption rates tend to chip and cannot withstand thermal shock to the extent that Casa Stone can. There are products marketed as stoneware with over ten times the porosity of Casa Stone and, for this reason, are not suitable for use in ovens. Low fired earthenware is very porous and readily absorbs moisture. A clay flower pot, for example, visibly absorbs moisture when it is watered. For this reason, most earthenware is not suitable for the microwave oven. The Casa Stone glaze has a distinctive luster similar to fine porcelain but is highly resistant to scratching. It is also easy to clean and can withstand the daily use of an abrasive cleaner or knives without scratching the surface. However, excessive pressure with a serrated knife can cause a scratch. It is similar to the pressure of a stiletto heel leaving a mark on a wooden floor. The glaze and decoration are fired with the body which permanently bonds the materials together. The compatibility of the glaze with the body is critical to the finished product. Incompatible glazes will result in crazing and separation from the body. |
|
Plain Jane's Closet 4560 Sea Grape Drive Lauderdale By The Sea, Florida 33308 U.S.A. Phone: 954-599-4856 © Copyright 2010 - Plain Jane's Closet Privacy Policy |
