Chemistry is the natural science that studies the composition, structure, and properties of matter (elements, species, compounds, mixtures, or other substances), along with the changes it undergoes during reactions. It examines associations through chemical bonds that form stable molecular compounds or more or less unstable intermediates.

Linus Pauling defined it as "the science that studies substances, their structure (types and arrangements of atoms), their properties, and the reactions that transform them into other substances over time."

Chemistry, through one of its branches known as supramolecular chemistry, primarily deals with supra-atomic groups such as gases, molecules, crystals, and metals, studying their composition, statistical properties, transformations, and reactions. However, general chemistry also encompasses understanding the properties and interactions of matter at the atomic scale.

Chemistry occupies an intermediate position between physics and biology. It is often called the "central science" because it connects the other natural sciences: physics (through physical chemistry), biology (through biochemistry), astronomy (through astrochemistry), and geology (through geochemistry).

Most chemical processes can be directly studied in laboratories using a range of well-established techniques.

Chemistry and the ceramic production process are inseparably related.