Bone China Vs Porcelain: Which is the Better Choice?

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Ceramic dinnerware can look rather similar at first glance. However, ceramic materials like porcelain and bone china differ in terms of durability, value, and other features.

So, next time you are shopping for a china tableware set or a new collection of mugs, here is a comprehensive guide to help you decide between bone china and porcelain.
 

Bone China Vs Porcelain: An Overview

Porcelain

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Porcelain is arguably one of the oldest ceramic materials. It paved the way for the invention of bone china. So, for a better understanding, let us first explore the basics of porcelain.

Porcelain is made of: 

• Kaolin - an elastic clay that forms the basis of ceramic material.

• Feldspar - a rock-forming mineral. It works as a bonding element in the making of ceramics.

• Quartz - a silica mineral that strengthens porcelain and contributes to the smooth glossy finish associated with porcelain.

These three ingredients are ground to a fine powder and mixed into a paste. The paste is then molded into porcelain pieces such as plates, cups, or vases. The pieces undergo a process known as vitrification where they are fired in a kiln at high temperatures between 1,200°C to 1,400°C. The vitrified pieces then undergo a glazing process to achieve the glossy glass finish.

Porcelain is often also divided into two types; hard-paste porcelain and soft-paste porcelain.

• Hard-paste porcelain - it is the authentic type of porcelain made using kaolin and the minerals we have outlined above. It was developed in ancient China.

• Soft-paste porcelain - it is a type of porcelain made using ball clay(different from kaolin) and ground glass. It was invented in Europe in the 1800s when the demand for ceramic imports from Asia soared. It is fired at lower temperatures than hard paste-porcelain thereby making it less strong.
   

Bone China

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In the 18th century, potters in Europe began experimenting with different ways to make ceramics. They came up with soft-paste porcelain but it was unsatisfactory. 

Amidst these trials, a British potter began adding bone ash to the ingredients used to make porcelain. He, and others who furthered his experiment findings, discovered that bone ash strengthens ceramic material. This is how bone china was invented.

Bone china is made of: 

• Bone ash - it is made by drying cattle bones at high temperatures, cooling them, and grinding them to powder.

• Feldspar

• Kaolin

• Quartz

Note: feldspar, kaolin, and quartz play the same roles in bone china as we have outlined above in the production of porcelain.

The ingredients are ground into powder form and combined into a paste. The paste is molded into bone china mugs, plates, or decorative pieces. The pieces are vitrified at 1,400°C and glazed to impart a smooth glassy finish. Vitrification binds the ceramic ingredients and makes them non-porous.
 

Key Differences Between Bone China and Porcelain

Now that you know the basics you are probably starting to develop a preference for either bone china or porcelain kitchenware or tableware. So, let's explore how to differentiate them by their features, shall we?
 

Color

Bone china has a distinct ivory-white color that stands out from all other ceramics. This is because of its bone ash content that is absent in other ceramics.

Porcelain, in comparison, tends to have a bright or dull white color. The dull white is not a flaw but comes about because kaolin is not, particularly a bright shade of white. Some manufacturers, however, add extra glazing or varnishing to make the porcelain a brighter, more appealing shade of white.
 

Weight and Thickness

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Bone ash strengthens the composition of bone china. Therefore, bone china mugs, plates, or bowls can be molded into thinner structures without compromising their quality. 

Subsequently, bone china crockery is lightweight and usually has thinner structures than porcelain crockery.
 

Translucency

When you hold a bone china bowl, plate, or vase to light, you will notice that it is translucent because some light will pass through or be visible through the vessel. This is because the composition of bone china is strong and non-porous but not too dense to be opaque.

If you hold up porcelain tableware to the light, in comparison, either very little or no light at all will pass through the vessel. The composition of porcelain is denser and this makes it opaque.
 

Durability

As we have seen above, bone china and porcelain are made from similar materials. The only difference is that bone china is fortified with bone ash. 

Still, while bone ash is just one ingredient, it makes a significant difference because bone china is stronger than porcelain. It is less prone to chipping and easy breakage and is thus more durable.
 

Price

A quick window shopping session reveals that bone china dinnerware usually costs a bit more than porcelain dinnerware. Some of the reasons behind this include:

• Bone china has a more intricate manufacturing process.

• Bone china is more durable than porcelain and thus offers a higher value for money.

• Bone china can be molded into more ornate high-end designs, unlike porcelain which is denser and heavier. 
   

Bone China Pros and Cons

Pros

• Elegance - bone china dinnerware has smooth refined finishes and the material is ideal for making fancy crockery designs.

• Durability - despite its lightweight form, bone china makes strong tableware suitable for long-term use as it does not chip easily.

• Lightweight Form - the lightweight form of bone china makes it suitable for catering. It also facilitates easy storage because you can stack bone china crockery without fear of breakage.
   

Cons

• Thermal Sensitivity - bone china is prone to breaks and cracks if you subject it to quick and extreme temperature changes.

• High Maintenance - while it is durable, you need to handle bone china carefully. This includes care standards like hand washing and using non-abrasive wash pads.

• Cost - bone china tends to be more expensive than other types of china or ceramic tableware.
   

Porcelain Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordability - porcelain tableware and kitchenware are available at more pocket-friendly prices compared to bone china.

• Versatility - porcelain has a broad range of uses. For example, while bone china mostly makes tableware, porcelain is used to make both tableware and kitchenware like casserole dishes.

• Durability and convenience - porcelain is not as strong as bone china but it can be quite durable with some care. 

• Heat Resistance and Convenience - most porcelain utensils are often microwave and oven-safe.
   

Cons

• Chipping Flaws - porcelain is prone to chipping which can make it unsightly even if the entire plate or vase does not break.

• Weight - porcelain dinnerware or decorative pieces tend to be heavy because the material is dense. 
   

Bone China Vs Porcelain Applications

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Bone china is mostly used to make:

• Tableware: assorted plates

• Tea sets: teapots, saucers, cups

• Dinnerware sets: dinner plates, salad plates, ramekins, bowls

These bone china pieces are suitable for both everyday use and fine dining experiences. You only need to choose the right designs for both applications and be diligent about following the care instructions.

Artists also use bone china to create decorative pieces like figurines and gift items like pen holders, among other collectibles.

Porcelain is used to make tableware and kitchenware. It is equally suitable for creating decor pieces like vases and planters as well as decorative bowls. The kitchenware items include:

• Baking dishes

• Serving dishes

• Casserole dishes

More distinctly, porcelain is used in industrial applications to make: 

• Electrical insulators; porcelain does not conduct electricity.

• Laboratory equipment like crucibles due to its heat-resistant quality.
   

Tips on Choosing Between Bone China and Porcelain

When it comes down to the wire and you need to choose between bone china and porcelain, it is advisable to consider
 

Longevity

Bone china is an ideal choice if you would like to invest in quality dinnerware for the long term. These are the kinds of china sets you often hear are passed down through generations. 

Alternatively, you can opt for porcelain if you are looking for ceramic dinnerware that you can change out for newer designs after a while. This can be especially useful for businesses like restaurants where the turnover of utensils is fairly high.
 

Aesthetics

What kind of aesthetic appeal would you like to create?

If you would like high-end tableware to create a fine dining aesthetic, bone china would certainly be a good choice. It is available in a variety of ornate designs.

Porcelain, on the other hand, can be ideal for both formal and casual dining experiences. You can set the aesthetic appeal by choosing quality designs that match the look you need to create.
 

Budget

The bottom line is that bone china costs more than porcelain. However, there is more to consider. 

For example, whether you choose bone china or porcelain, buying ceramic dinnerware wholesale is usually more affordable than buying retail. Choosing a ceramic tableware supplier that offers quality products at fair prices can also work in your favor.

Further, consider other factors such as the durability and aesthetic value that you will get in the long run. This may help you make a more wholesome decision.
 

Conclusion

The different features of bone china and porcelain are of great benefit because they offer more options to suit different needs. Now that you know what each of them brings to the table, we hope you make the best ceramic dinnerware pick for your needs.