Porcelain
Porcelain is a fine ceramic material obtained by firing kaolin (white clay), quartz, and feldspar at high temperatures. It features a uniform white appearance with a smooth, vitreous surface, often glazed or decorated. Its translucency sets it apart from other ceramics, displaying a translucent effect when thin. Its durability is remarkable: it is very hard, compact, low in porosity (nearly impermeable), and offers excellent resistance to impact and wear. The finish allows for precise, detailed decorations, with glazes and colors that fix permanently during firing. Its main uses include fine tableware, ornamental items, sanitaryware, electrical insulators, and specialized technical applications.
Feature
Porcelain
Common ceramics (earthenware, stoneware, majolica, etc.)
Composition
Kaolin + quartz + feldspar
Clay with various impurities
Natural color
White
Generally reddish or beige
Density / Compactness
Very compact, nearly impermeable
More porous, absorbs water if unglazed
Translucency
Thin → slightly translucent
Opaque
Durability
Very hard, resistant to impacts and wear
More fragile and prone to chipping
Finish
Smooth, refined, allows for precise decorations
Rougher, less detailed decorations
Firing temperature
Very high (1200–1400 °C)
Lower (approx. 800–1100 °C)
Main uses
Bowls, cups, plates, saucers, serving dishes, fine dinnerware, art objects, technical applications (insulators, dental prostheses, etc.)
Vases, plates, bricks, tiles, everyday utensils
