The different ceramics and their particularities:
Fine porcelain, opaque porcelain, ironstone, stoneware... are all ceramics with different characteristics and uses. Here is a brief summary of their manufacturing and particularities.
Fine Porcelain:
Fine porcelain is a type of translucent and hard ceramic, made from special clay, kaolin, feldspar and quartz. It is often used for making tableware, decorative figurines and decorative items.
It is particularly appreciated for its whiteness, translucency and strength. It is also known for its delicacy and beauty. Fine porcelain is fired at high temperatures, making it strong, durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
Its manufacturing is a complex process that involves several steps, including mixing raw materials, forming the pieces, drying, firing and finishing.
Fine porcelain is often associated with renowned brands, such as Limoges in France or Meissen in Germany. These are often high-quality pieces, highly sought after by collectors and art lovers.
Tip: Place a plate facing the sun, if you can see light through it, it's fine porcelain!
Fine Porcelain Tableware -here-
Opaque Porcelain:
Opaque porcelain, also known as hard porcelain, is a variety of porcelain characterized by its reduced translucency. Unlike traditional fine porcelain, it is thicker and denser, making it less translucent.
It is often used for tableware and decorative items because of its durability and resistance to scratches and chips. It can also be used for industrial applications, such as the manufacture of electronic components.
Opaque porcelain is usually made with the addition of bone ash or another opacifier, which gives it a more opaque appearance than fine porcelain. It is fired at very high temperatures, which gives it its density and hardness, but it can be more brittle than fine porcelain. It can be decorated with glazes, paints, or raised designs.
There are many renowned brands of opaque porcelain, each with its own history, aesthetic and reputation. Here are some of the most well-known brands: Limoges, Wedgwood, Royal Copenhagen, Villeroy & Boch, Bernardaud. These brands are all known for their craftsmanship, attention to detail and commitment to quality and innovation.
Tip: Thicker than fine china, place a plate facing the sun, if you don't see the light, it's opaque china!
Iron Earth (Earthenware):
Due to its unique color and texture, Terre de Fer earthenware is highly appreciated by collectors and lovers of craft objects. The main factories that produced Terre de Fer were located in the North (earthenware factories of Moulin des Loups, Saint-Amand, Orchies, Hamage), in the Paris region (earthenware factories of Creil, Montereau, Choisy-le-Roi), in the East (earthenware factories of Sarreguemines, Clairefontaine).
Trick :
To distinguish this earthenware, the words “Terre de fer” are often stamped on the back of the pieces or engraved. Light does not pass through them and when they are knocked together, their sound seems dark and milky.
The Sandstone:
Stoneware is a dishware made from clay that is fired at high temperatures. Stoneware is a very hard and dense ceramic that has a rough, earthy finish. It is often used to make dinnerware because it is scratch, impact, and heat resistant, making it an ideal material for everyday use.
Stoneware dinnerware comes in a variety of colors and finishes, from smooth and shiny to rough and matte. It is often appreciated for its rustic, natural appearance that can give a warm and welcoming look to a table.
However, stoneware can be more fragile than other types of dinnerware, as it can crack or break if exposed to high pressure or sudden temperature changes. Therefore, it is important to take care of stoneware by hand washing it and avoiding putting it in the microwave or oven at high temperatures.
In summary, fine porcelain is a delicate and translucent porcelain, opaque porcelain is thicker, ironstone is a more rustic and porous earthenware and stoneware offers a more matte and natural effect to your table. The choice is yours!
Thank you for reading,
Violaine