What is the Difference Between Bone China and Porcelain?
If you're a student of ceramics, or even if you just love to collect plates and bowls, understanding the difference between bone china and porcelain is important. Both materials are durable and can be quite beautiful, but they're not exactly the same. Here's a quick overview of the key differences between these two popular ceramic materials.
What is the difference between bone china and porcelain?
You might be surprised to learn that there is a big difference between bone china and porcelain. Porcelain is a type of clay that is fired at a high temperature, making it very strong and durable. Bone china, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of clay and bone ash.
This combination makes bone china much stronger than porcelain, as well as giving it a more translucent appearance. In addition, bone china is typically more expensive than porcelain. So if you're looking for quality tableware that will last for years, bone china is the way to go.
Bone china is made of a higher quality clay and fired at a higher temperature
Anyone who has ever dropped a plate knows that ceramic can be pretty fragile. That's because it's made of clay that has been fired at a relatively low temperature. Bone china, on the other hand, is made of a higher quality clay and fired at a higher temperature.
As a result, it is much stronger and less likely to chip or break. In addition, bone china has a smooth, translucent finish that gives it a luxurious look and feel. Not surprisingly, bone china is considerably more expensive than standard ceramic. But for anyone who values beauty and durability, it's definitely worth the investment.
Porcelain is often used for everyday items like dishes and mugs
If you take a look around your kitchen, you're likely to find quite a few items made of porcelain. Dishes, mugs, bowls, and even some cooking pots and pans are often made of this strong, white ceramic material. Porcelain is made from a type of white clay called kaolin, and is fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, durable material. This gives it a smooth, glossy finish that is ideal for everyday use.
In addition to being durable, porcelain is also non-porous, meaning that it won't absorb liquids or odours. As a result, it's the perfect material for items that come into contact with food or drink. So next time you reach for your favourite coffee mug, take a moment to appreciate the history and utility of porcelain.
Bone china is often used for finer items like teacups and coffee cups
Bone china is a type of porcelain that is made from bone ash, clay, and feldspar. It is usually white or ivory in colour, and it is often used for dinnerware, teacups, and coffee cups because it is considered to be more elegant than other types of porcelain. Bone china is also usually thinner and more delicate than other types of china, which makes it more fragile and expensive. However, many people believe that the beauty of bone china dinnerware is worth the expense.
Both bone china and porcelain are dishwasher safe
You may have heard that bone china and porcelain are delicate and should be hand-washed to avoid breakage. However, both types of dishware are actually dishwasher safe. The main thing to be aware of is that extremes in temperature can damage your dishes, so it's important to avoid using the hottest setting on your machine.
When loading the dishwasher, be sure to place breakable items like china and porcelain gently into the racks to avoid any chips or cracks. With a little care, your bone china and porcelain will stay beautiful for many years to come.
