What is Terra Cotta?
Answer:
Terra cotta, from the Italian for "baked
earth", is a form of ceramic clay generally recognizable by its distinctive orange-brown or rust color. Because the clay is high in iron content, exposure to the air causes some natural oxidation and creates the color. Terra cotta is used for a number of purposes, some decorative and some very mundane and functional, such as water pipes and roofing tiles.

Terra cotta is not fired as hard as the ceramic known as stoneware, and it may be glazed or unglazed.  Unglazed terra cotta is often used to create flower pots and decorative details on stone or brick walls.  This form of terra cotta is not waterproof, but it can be used to form basic conduits and pipes in gardens. 

The raw clay used to create terra cotta pieces is often partially air-dried before the artisan forms it into its final shape.  The pieces are then fired in a kiln until dry, but not to the degree other ceramics like porcelain are fired.

Terra cotta can also be waterproofed by adding a glaze and firing the piece longer in a kiln.  Raw clay can be pressed into special molds and removed to produce decorative as well as functional roofing tiles, plant holders, glazed tiles and pavers for walkways.
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