- China Dinnerwareporcelain cup image by Fatman73 from Fotolia.com
Deciding what type of china dishes to purchase is tricky. Styles, patterns, and colors, as well as types of china dishes and the occasions they are used, can factor into for each family's decision.
The type and quality of china is determined by the makeup of the materials from which it was formed as well as the temperature at which it was fired. - According to The Potteries website, bone china is the toughest china manufactured. Bone ash, which comes from crushed and burned bones of animals, makes up the largest percentage of bone china, with the resulting material being such that is hard and an ivory color. Bone china is stronger than it appears, and is definitely made to be used. Fine bone china tends to be expensive but with proper care will last for generations.
- This type of china is much less expensive than fine china, it is non-porous, translucent, and strong and resists chipping and cracking. This china is used most often as it can easily be replaced.
- Porcelain is made from refined clays and minerals. The main difference between porcelain and china is the temperature of firing. This type is fired at extremely high temperatures and even though it may appear fragile, it is extremely durable.
- Fine china is very similar to porcelain. The difference is that fine china is much thinner and more translucent. The appearance of this china tends to be deceptive. It is in fact very durable and usually dishwasher safe. According to the University of Kentucky's college of agricultural, fine china is made of top-quality clays fired at high temperatures that cause them to fuse into a hard, nonporous body.
- Stoneware pieces are different in that they are handmade. The University of Kentucky states that stoneware is nonporous and very durable, but does not have the translucence of fine china. Some people find stoneware the most affordable option, and use it more interchangeably with their regular dinnerware.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
