If you're a self-proclaimed connoisseur of the fine dining world, chances are you've heard of bone china and porcelain. These two types of dinnerware have been synonymous with luxury and elegance for centuries. But have you ever stopped to wonder, what is the difference between bone china and porcelain? Before we dive into the differences between the two, let's take a moment to understand what they are. Bone china is a type of ceramic made from a mixture of bone ash, feldspar, kaolin, and sometimes ball clay. The bone ash used in bone china is made from animal bones that are crushed and ground into a fine powder. This mixture is then fired at high temperatures to create the final product. Porcelain, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. This mixture is also fired at high temperatures to create the final product. Now that we know what bone china and porcelain are made of, let's explore the differences between the two. 1. Durability When it comes to durability, bone china is considered to be stronger and more durable than porcelain. This is because bone china contains bone ash, which gives it a slightly translucent and glass-like appearance. This added strength makes it less likely to break or chip compared to porcelain. 2. Transparency One of the defining features of bone china is its transparency. Because bone ash is used in the creation of bone china, it creates a semi-translucent appearance that porcelain doesn't have. This makes bone china ideal for decorative purposes, as the translucency allows for intricate patterns and designs to be visible from both sides of the plate. 3. Weight Another difference between bone china and porcelain is their weight. Bone china is lighter in weight compared to porcelain. This is due to the presence of bone ash, which is a lightweight material compared to the materials used in porcelain. This lightweight construction makes bone china more comfortable to handle and use on a daily basis. 4. Price When it comes to price, bone china is generally more expensive than porcelain. This is due to the fact that bone china requires a more complex manufacturing process than porcelain. Additionally, the use of bone ash in the creation of bone china means that the raw materials used are more expensive compared to those used in porcelain. 5. Suitability for use Although bone china is more durable than porcelain, it is not as suitable for daily use. This is because it is more prone to scratching and staining compared to porcelain. Porcelain, on the other hand, is more suitable for daily use as it is less likely to scratch or stain. In conclusion, bone china and porcelain may seem similar at first glance, but they have a few key differences that set them apart. Bone china is considered to be stronger, more transparent, and lighter compared to porcelain. However, it is also more expensive and not as suitable for daily use. Porcelain, on the other hand, is less expensive, more suitable for daily use, and less likely to scratch or stain. Knowing these differences can help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right type of dinnerware for your needs. So, the next time you're shopping for luxury dinnerware, keep these differences in mind and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
