A ceramic object has different levels of structure, with atomic structure/composition at one end, object provenance at the other. These two ends are frequently analyzed, but it is suggested that the middle micro structure would repay more study. It is determined by the raw materials chosen, the shaping process employed and the firing conditions imposed. There are explained by examples. A karanovo ceramic was used to substantiate a theory that pottery techniques were earlier than copper smelting because of an estimated firing temperature. Sem of samples refired at various temperatures, well below the melting point of copper, showed considerable structural changes, thereby demolishing the theory. Prepottery Neolithic lime plasters, an Early Bronze II metallurgical furnace, European pottery (17th century, Saxony) are cited as further examples of the value of this type of investigation. Diagrams, photograph, references.