Both porcelain and ceramic are made from clay and look the same, so what’s the difference? Well, both materials are processed differently, which results in different products. Ceramics comprises a wide category of products, which includes porcelain. On the other hand, porcelain is a type of ceramic baked at higher temperatures, creating a stronger and more durable material.

Types of Ceramic

The word ceramic means “poetry” in greek. It is made from heated clay, which results in a brittle material. There are three types of ceramic – earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. There are some distinctive features associated with each of them.

Earthenware

Earthenware is one of the first kinds of pottery made of red or white clay, baked at low temperatures (1000-1080°C), making it less strong and durable compared to other ceramics. It is thick and rustic looking but also porous in nature and prone to chipping. Hence, it is considered less expensive than other materials.

Stoneware

Stoneware is made from ball clay, fire clay, feldspar and silica. It is baked at a high temperature (1148-1316°C) compared to earthenware, making it durable and non-porous. It doesn’t require to be glazed, but the inside is usually glazed in pottery. Additionally, when compared to porcelain, stoneware is thicker and more opaque. It is also suggested not to expose this material to extreme temperature changes.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from refined clay, glazed and baked at very high temperatures (1,200 and 1,400°C) to produce a strong, non-porous and highly durable material. The ingredients used to create porcelain include kaolin, ball clay, bone ash, feldspar, glass and quartz. Its attractive features make it a highly demanded and slightly expensive product.

The Main Distinction Between Porcelain and Ceramic

The main difference between ceramic and porcelain is that it is a much stronger and more durable material, making it a perfect choice not only for dinnerware but also for wall and flooring applications. Porcelain is also low absorbent, non-stain, easy to clean and maintain, and can withhold heavy traffic, which other ceramics lack in properties. Furthermore, porcelain’s attractive and valuable characteristics tend to increase the material price in the market, but it is all worth it, as porcelain ensures longevity for an amazing style feature in any home, room or office.

Get the highest quality porcelain for your home or your commercial space at Northern Lights Porcelain. Transform your rooms into attractive and elegant spaces by integrating unique styles and patterns of porcelain slabs. Receive a quote by contacting us today.