Porcelain is a type of ceramic: ceramic is a general term for all items made from fired clay and other mineral materials, and porcelain is its most refined form, made from kaolin, quartz, and feldspar at very high temperatures. This makes porcelain white, waterproof, and translucent in thin layers. When a store lists "ceramics" instead of "porcelain," they usually mean stoneware, earthenware, or stoneware.
To sum it up
- Hierarchy of concepts: All porcelain is ceramic, but not all ceramic is porcelain.
- Raw materials: Porcelain is made from high-purity kaolin, quartz and feldspar, other ceramics are made from various clays, often colored.
- Burning: Porcelain is fired at a very high temperature, usually around 1300–1450°C, which causes the base to sinter and not absorb water.
- Appearance: Porcelain is white, thin and translucent, while household ceramics are usually thicker, opaque and often colored.
What is ceramics?
Traditionally under ceramics The term "clay" was used to describe materials and products produced by firing molded clay. Today, the term is broader and encompasses all inorganic, non-metallic materials that harden at high temperatures. This includes bricks and roofing tiles, as well as vessels, tiles, sinks, and technical ceramics.
There are two groups of vessels. Porous ceramics It has a structure that absorbs water after firing, so it is usually glazed. Examples of this type include terracotta and earthenware. Sintered ceramics is fired at a higher temperature, which makes it dense and virtually impenetrable. This group includes stoneware , vitreous porcelain и ordinary porcelain .
What is porcelain?
Porcelain - is a white sintered ceramic made from a mass kaolin (china clay), quartz и feldspar . The proportions are selected depending on the intended use of the piece. Hard porcelain is typically fired twice: once at a lower temperature, which produces a biscuit effect, and a second time, after glazing, at approximately 1300–1450°C. This partially vitrifies the mass. This makes the porcelain dense, hard, acid-resistant, and waterproof.
A variety is bone Porcelain to which bone ash is added. It is fired at a lower temperature than feldspathic porcelain. It is very white and translucent. Also known as soft porcelain , fired at a lower temperature than hard porcelain and vitrified porcelain . Vitrified porcelain has a similar composition, but is made from lower-quality raw materials, has a creamy hue, and is opaque to light. It is used, among other things, in plumbing fixtures.
Table of differences between ceramics and porcelain
| Characteristic | Porcelain | Other ceramics (earthenware, stoneware, terracotta) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw materials | Kaolin, quartz, high-purity feldspar | Various types of clay, often with added dyes. |
| Firing temperature | Very high temperature, usually around 1300–1450 °C (hard porcelain). | Lower level: from the lowest level for terracotta and earthenware to the higher level for stoneware. |
| A sliver | Sintered, partially vitreous, non-absorbent | Porous ceramics and terracotta, sintered stoneware |
| Color of the mass | White | Cream, beige, brick, gray, brown |
| Transparency | In places with a thin layer, it allows light to pass through. | Opaque |
| Thickness and weight | The walls can be thin, but at the same time highly durable. | Usually thicker walls, denser to the touch. |
| Sound when pressed | Clean, sonorous | Deafness, especially when listening to earthenware. |
How to distinguish porcelain from ceramics?
Several simple tests allow you to identify porcelain without laboratory conditions:
- Light transmission test: Hold the vessel up to a lamp or flashlight, then place your hand on the other side. The shadow of your fingers will be visible through the thin porcelain. Stoneware and earthenware will block the light.
- Sound check: Lightly tap the edge with your fingernail. Porcelain produces a high, resonant sound, while porous ceramic sounds hollow.
- Bottom of the vessel: Inspect the unglazed base. In porcelain, it's white, smooth, and dense. In earthenware and terracotta, it can be colored, rough, and absorbent (a drop of water soaks through or darkens it).
- Marking: Many manufacturers label the bottom with the words "porcelain," "china," or "bone china," as well as the manufacturer's logo.
Porcelain or ceramics – which to choose?
Porcelain It's best suited for everyday use and special occasions. It's white, smooth, doesn't absorb odors or dyes, and, despite its thin walls, is durable. Most porcelain pieces without gold or silver embellishments are dishwasher safe. Items with gold or glazed embellishments are best washed by hand and avoided in the microwave. Always check the manufacturer's labels.
Stoneware — a good choice for baking and roasting, thick mugs, and rustic tableware. Polish Bolesławiec ceramics with their characteristic stamped patterns are an example. Faience and terracotta They are usually cheaper and more decorative. However, damaged glaze exposes a porous structure that absorbs water and dirt, so cracked or chipped dishes should be removed from the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is porcelain ceramic?
Yes. Porcelain is a type of ceramic, specifically a sintered pottery made from kaolin, quartz, and feldspar and fired at very high temperatures. However, the term "ceramics" usually refers to vessels made from stoneware or earthenware to distinguish them from porcelain.
Which is more durable: porcelain or ceramic?
Porcelain is harder, denser, and more water-resistant, so it withstands everyday use better than porous ceramics or terracotta, despite its thinner walls. Stoneware is also sintered and durable, though typically thicker and heavier.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic?
Porcelain has a similar composition (kaolin, feldspar, quartz), but is made from lower-quality raw materials. It is white or cream-colored and opaque in light. It is primarily used for plumbing fixtures.
How to check if a plate is porcelain?
Hold the plate up to a light source: the fine porcelain will be slightly translucent. Tap the edge: the porcelain will make a ringing sound. Inspect the underside: the unglazed base should be white and dense, often bearing the maker's mark.
What is bone china?
This type of porcelain (bone china) contains bone ash. It is fired at a lower temperature than classic feldspathic porcelain. It is distinguished by its high whiteness and transparency.
See also
- What is the difference between glaze and terracotta?
- What is the difference between a ceramic and induction cooktop?
- What is the difference between tiles and porcelain tiles?
- What is the difference between synthetic and semi-synthetic oil?