Today on the shelves more and more dishes from dolomite appear. It is inexpensive and attracts attention with its beauty. However, many are not sure whether to purchase such items. Doubts concern both the safety of the material and the durability of the dishes. We will deal with these issues.
What kind of material is this?
Dolomite is a material of natural origin. It consists of magnesium and calcium carbonate. The rock structure is similar to limestone (also porous). The natural color of the material may be white, light yellow, gray or even reddish. It all depends on the other components contained in the composition. Making dishes from dolomite has become popular because of the softness of the material, which is convenient to shape.
And also on such a surface glazes easily, which gives decorative products.
The properties
Dolomite dishes are surprisingly light in weight. This is very different from ordinary ceramics and porcelain. However, the use of such items for eating is not recommended. First of all, dolomite is a very fragile material. With daily use, the risk of damage to objects increases, because dishes can break from any awkward movement.
And also with frequent temperature differences (for example, when hot or very cold food gets into the dishes), the glaze may begin to crack. Do not tolerate such products and liquids. This is due to the high porosity of the material. Therefore, drinking tea from a dolomite mug also does not work. Exceptions are items made of dolomite ceramics, in which the percentage of the material in question is small.
Many fear that dolomite dishes are harmful. This is not entirely true. The material itself cannot harm human health, as it is natural and environmentally friendly. But the paint that is used in the manufacture of products can be dangerous due to the content of lead in it. And also the material itself in the manufacture of dishes can be supplemented with other components to increase its strength or reduce the cost of production. Therefore, one cannot speak with full confidence about the safety of such items.
It is especially not recommended to use dolomite cookware with cracks. In this case, both damaged glaze with dyes, and dolomite itself can begin to release harmful substances during reaction with acidic products. Nevertheless, undamaged products from this material can be used in any kitchen. They can be used as decor. And also in them you can store bulk products, fruits, sweets.
Kinds
Most products made of pure dolomite are decorative. These are supports for household sponges (in the form of mini-baths and others), containers for salt and pepper, dishes for fruits, vases for sweets and cookies. And also there are oilers, sugar bowls, bowls, jars for bulk products.
Kettles, milk jugs and jugs are usually made from ceramics with a low dolomite content. The same goes for mugs and plates. Such products can be used for their intended purpose, but their durability depends on many factors.
We cannot help but recall the pots made of dolomite ceramics, although they do not belong to the category of dishes. Such products are popular, as there are rumors about the benefits of material for plants. Of course, they are unfounded. Any plants need regular watering. Dolomite is afraid of water, so a pot of natural material will quickly fail.
If the percentage of dolomite in the composition of the product is small, then the material will not affect the soil and green spaces. Nevertheless, dolomite pots are very beautiful, so many gardeners go to the trick. They put in a large decorative pot another, smaller size, from a more durable material.
How to make?
Dolomite cookware is produced in workshops with professional equipment. At home, making a product from this material will not work. Moreover, earlier it was mentioned that it is necessary to add other components to dolomite to increase its user properties. There are other nuances that only professionals are familiar with, for example, shortened firing times. This is due to the high magnesium content in the material.
It is not difficult to check the quality of the dishes made upon purchase. Specialists advise you to gently knock on the product. If you hear a clean ring, then the firing process has been carried out efficiently. If the sound is dull, it means that the product is burnt unevenly or other manufacturing conditions are not met.
Operational Features
Here are some tips from experts on the operation of such dishes.
- First of all, it is important to be careful when handling dolomite objects. Do not forget about their fragility.
- Products can only be washed by hand using a soft sponge and non-abrasive cleaners.
- Do not pour boiling water into the dolomite mugs. Otherwise, microcracks may appear in the material.
- If you notice chips, cracks or other damage, the dishes should be discarded. You can not use it.
Thus, before purchasing dishes from dolomite, you should think about how you will use it. If you just need a beautiful decor item, you can safely buy a product.
If you want to get a reliable mug, a set of durable plates or a quality teapot, it is better to give preference to other options.
In the next video you will find an overview of the dolomite mug.
